Local sources in Balkh have reported that the Taliban recently closed down women’s tailoring shops in several parts of Mazar-i-Sharif city, including the well-known “Zolal Market.”
According to information confirmed by the sources speaking to Hasht-e Subh Daily on Monday, October 30th, the Taliban enforced the closure of these women’s tailoring shops in Mazar-i-Sharif since the end of last week. Women tailors were informed by the Taliban that they are now permitted to operate only in the “Noor Market,” an area specifically designated for women in Mazar-i-Sharif.
One of the female tailors revealed to Hasht-e Subh, “The Taliban informed us that we can only continue our work in the Noor Market, as it is the only place where women are allowed to work.”
However, these women have expressed their reluctance to move their shops to the market established by the Taliban for women, citing the lack of customers as a significant concern.
The Noor Market, formerly known as a commercial hub in Mazar-i-Sharif, has now been renamed by the Taliban as “Khadija Tul-Kubra,” exclusively designated for women.
This development further exacerbates the challenges faced by women in the workforce following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. International organizations have reported a drastic 32% reduction in women’s small businesses, highlighting the adverse impact of the Taliban’s policies on women’s economic opportunities.