Breshna, a 24-year-old woman in Kabul, Afghanistan, continues to operate a clandestine beauty salon despite the Taliban’s ban on all beauty salons in the country, citing that certain services interfere with Islamic practices. The closure of beauty salons has had a devastating economic impact on the 60,000 women who worked in the sector, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian crisis affecting the Afghan population. The ban on beauty salons has further limited the freedoms of Afghan women, who are already confined to their homes and unable to work. Despite the risks, some women like Breshna and Mursal have chosen to continue working in secret to support their families and maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
The beauty salons not only provided economic opportunities for women but also served as safe, female-only spaces where they could socialize and support each other. Many women, like Breshna, found solace and a sense of purpose in their work at the salons. Despite the Taliban’s claims of creating a safe environment for women, their actions have only further restricted women’s rights, including education and work opportunities. Women like Breshna and Mursal are determined to defy the ban and continue working, even at great risk to themselves.
The closure of beauty salons represents a loss of freedom and livelihood for Afghan women and highlights the continued challenges they face under Taliban rule. Despite the oppressive conditions, some women are finding ways to resist and assert their independence. Their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of Afghan women in the face of adversity.
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