Taliban Tightens Grip: Afghan Women and Girls Face Heightened Restrictions

The United Nations has reported that the Taliban in Afghanistan have further tightened restrictions on women and girls, particularly in education and employment. The Taliban's Ministry of Public Health has announced that only males will be allowed to pursue specialized medical studies, following previous bans on female medical students taking graduation exams and women attending universities. Instances of enforcing limitations on women's freedom of movement and employment have also been recorded, along with reports of physical violence. These measures have sparked international outrage and worsened the country's isolation amid a collapsing economy and humanitarian crisis.