Document No. 4293, Date: 3/10/1401
To: The Respected Akbar Organization in Kabul

Subject: Suspension of Women’s Employment in Domestic and International NGOs
As you are aware, the Ministry of Economy, representing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is responsible for coordinating and leading the activities of both domestic and international organizations.
Recently, serious complaints have been received regarding the failure to adhere to Islamic hijab and other laws and regulations of the Emirate related to the activities of women in domestic and international non-governmental organizations.
To fulfill the responsibility and mission of ensuring compliance with the laws and regulations of the Emirate in the operations of both domestic and international NGOs, the Ministry of Economy hereby instructs all respected organizations that, until further notice, all female employees working in relevant sections must suspend their work.
Failure to comply with this directive will result in the revocation of the activity license issued to the respected organizations by this ministry.
This notice is being sent to you to ensure that it is conveyed to your partner organizations, and that they comply with these instructions. Please also ensure that the ministry receives confirmation of their adherence.
Respectfully,
Qari Din Mohammad Hanif
Minister of Economy

This official directive from the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy mandates the suspension of all female employees working with domestic and international NGOs, citing alleged noncompliance with Islamic hijab and related rules. It imposes a blanket ban on women’s participation in humanitarian and development work, under threat of revoking organizational licenses.

This policy is a profound violation of women’s right to work, gender equality, and freedom from discrimination. It further impedes access to essential services that NGOs provide, often delivered or facilitated by female staff, particularly in reaching women and girls. The directive entrenches gender-based exclusion in the humanitarian sector and severely restricts civil society space in Afghanistan.