Sources in Bamyan say that two female healthcare workers who had travelled to Saighan District of the province several days ago to provide healthcare services were insulted, humiliated and threatened by the Taliban and detained for 24 hours for not having a male guardian.
The sources told the Hasht-e Subh Daily on Saturday, November 14, that the women had been sent to Saighan District by the Taliban’s Public Health Directorate in Bamyan. While carrying out their duties, they were stopped by Taliban fighters at a security checkpoint in the district.
According to the information, the female healthcare workers were interrogated, insulted and threatened by Taliban fighters for not having a “male guardian” and were eventually held in detention for 24 hours.
The sources said the women were released after providing a guarantee to the Taliban.
According to the sources, the Taliban used vulgar and abusive language when dealing with the women and warned them that if they returned to Saighan District, they would be prosecuted and imprisoned.
They added that the incident had raised serious concerns about the safety and security of female healthcare workers and whether the necessary conditions were in place for them to carry out their duties in Bamyan.
This comes as women have faced severe restrictions on education, employment and participation in public life since the Taliban group returned to power in the country.
