Taliban Tightens Dress Code for Female Students, Teachers in Herat

DID Press: Local sources in Herat say Taliban education authorities have ordered female teachers and girls in grades four through six to wear face veils and gloves while attending school, as part of stricter dress code measures in the western Afghan province.

According to the sources, the directive was issued during a meeting on Thursday with school principals and senior teachers. The new requirement is set to take effect on Saturday, June 20.

Sources also reported that Taliban officials have visited girls’ schools over the past two weeks, instructing students to wear the all-encompassing burqa.

Some younger students who appeared older than their classmates were also reportedly encouraged to adopt the garment.The move comes amid broader restrictions imposed on women in Herat by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

Local reports indicate that women have been barred from leaving home in certain forms of dress and that several women have recently been detained for failing to comply with the group’s interpretation of hijab requirements.

The arrests triggered protests in Herat city and the Jebrail area, both of which were reportedly dispersed by Taliban forces. Local sources said at least two people were killed during the crackdown on demonstrations in Jebrail.