In January 2026, the Taliban enacted a penal code that significantly exacerbates the plight of Afghan women. This new code, titled the “Criminal Procedure Code for Courts,” explicitly permits husbands to physically discipline their wives and daughters, provided no severe injuries are inflicted, effectively legalizing domestic violence short of broken bones or open wounds. Furthermore, the code erects formidable barriers for women seeking justice and criminalizes sheltering women who flee abusive homes. This development has sparked widespread international condemnation, with the UN and human rights organizations denouncing it as “gender apartheid.”
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The Taliban have enacted a new penal code in Afghanistan, solidifying some of their most restrictive practices and sparking grave concerns from human rights organizations. This 90-page code, signed by the supreme leader, permits husbands to physically abuse wives and children as long as it doesn’t result in broken bones or open wounds, while also formalizing inequality by prescribing different penalties based on one’s status as “free” or “a slave.” The code fails to explicitly criminalize psychological or sexual violence, leaving women with virtually no legal recourse for assault, as convictions depend on the nearly impossible task of proving injuries in court under Taliban restrictions. This new legislation effectively strips women of prior protections and treats them as property, compounding the already severe restrictions on education, work, and public life that have plagued women and girls since the Taliban’s return to power.
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Following remarks suggesting the “import” of Vietnamese and Sri Lankan women to address South Korea’s low birth rate, Governor Kim Hee Soo was expelled from the Democratic Party. His televised comments, which proposed marrying foreign women to rural South Korean men, sparked outrage and a diplomatic protest from Vietnam. While Mr. Kim issued an apology for his “inappropriate language” and for undermining human dignity, the party unanimously voted for his expulsion. The South Jeolla Province also apologized for the deeply hurtful and discriminatory nature of his statements, vowing to reinforce oversight to prevent future occurrences.
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Afghanistan’s reproductive health system is in crisis due to an informal birth control ban, leading to severe consequences for women. Contraceptives have become scarce, and clinics have closed, leaving women with unwanted pregnancies and limited access to healthcare. Many women face miscarriages, complications, and violence due to the lack of resources and the pressure to have more children, as illustrated by the stories of women in several provinces. The closures of hospitals and clinics, coupled with the economic crisis, have exacerbated the problem, resulting in malnutrition, domestic violence, and a desperate search for solutions, even if they pose significant risks.
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The French National Assembly unanimously approved a bill to exonerate women penalized for having abortions before its legalization in 1975, a move supported by the government and the Senate. This legislation acknowledges the injustice of previous laws criminalizing abortion, recognizing the infringement on women’s rights and the widespread suffering caused. While not providing financial reparations, the law establishes a commission to preserve the memories of women who underwent secret abortions. This action aligns with France’s recent constitutional recognition of the right to terminate a pregnancy, a stance taken in response to global challenges to reproductive rights.
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Following nationwide protests, South Africa has declared violence against women a national disaster. Organized by Women for Change, the protests, titled “G20 Women’s Shutdown,” saw hundreds demonstrating against gender-based violence across various locations. This decision was made after a reassessment by the National Disaster Management Centre, allowing government departments to implement measures to combat the crisis. The classification comes after a month-long campaign, including an online petition with over a million signatures and significant social media engagement, marking a victory for women’s rights groups.
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In a recent development, the Taliban has implemented a new restriction in Herat, Afghanistan, mandating that all female patients, visitors, and medical staff wear burqas when entering public hospitals. This measure, which went into effect on November 5th, has raised concerns from international organizations regarding its impact on women’s access to healthcare. Doctors Without Borders has reported a decrease in female patient visits, while a resident has shared that the implementation of the law has led to financial burdens. This is the latest in a series of restrictions the Taliban has imposed since taking power in 2021.
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In Iran, a growing number of women are openly defying the mandatory hijab law, spurred by the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death in custody. This visible shift, particularly in major cities, has been met with a relaxed enforcement of the hijab law despite previous attempts by authorities to intensify its enforcement. Although the government has not officially changed its stance, many believe that the changes are irreversible, with women continuing to exercise their freedom to choose their attire, and this stance is making the government retreat. Despite these changes, fear of retribution persists, with the defiance being most apparent in larger cities while changing attitudes are also noted in smaller towns.
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During the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, several women have reported being exploited by local men, some connected to aid groups, who offered food, money, or jobs in exchange for sexual interactions. Six women shared their experiences, detailing instances where they were promised aid or employment and then coerced into sexual encounters. Aid organizations acknowledge a rise in such exploitation, particularly as hunger and desperation increase, though the scale is difficult to determine due to underreporting and the challenges of documenting cases amidst the ongoing war. The Women’s Affairs Center and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse network confirmed they were aware of the reports.
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The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has significantly impacted both students and teachers like Zabi, who relied on online platforms for English language instruction. Zabi’s students, many preparing for the IELTS exam, were cut off mid-test, leaving them devastated. The cost of mobile data, the only alternative, is prohibitive for most, further exacerbating the situation. Zabi, like many, is now considering leaving the country, and the money changer, Anas, says he’s had to endure an extreme dip in business.
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John Q. Hosedrinker