On 8 March 2026, International Women’s Day was globally celebrated. At the same time, the latest set of penal codes issued by the Taliban violated their international legal obligations and further marginalised women in their society.
The de facto leadership in Afghanistan has issued its latest penal code, which sees violence against women and children codified into law. The penal code provides for the use of corporal punishment for numerous offences, including in the home, legitimising violence against women and children.
Among other things, the new laws allow men to beat their wives so long as they don’t break their bones or leave visible lasting wounds. This came as women worldwide prepared to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The penal code was issued in January but only came to international attention after it was leaked to the Afghan rights group, Rawadari.
The Afghanistan Analysts Network (a non-profit policy research agency) subsequently translated the document into English. The issuance of the lengthy penal code document is the latest step by the Taliban to tighten its control over the Afghan population through restrictive legal measures.
Protecting Women From Violence
While International Women’s Day highlights rights, justice, and action for all women and girls, Open Doors is raising the plight of Christian Afghan refugee women who are doubly persecuted: first for leaving Islam and for being born female.
Christians are disproportionately targeted by the Taliban and extremist groups, including the Islamic State of Khorasan Province and the Islamic State (ISIS) in Afghanistan.
Christian women and girls face heightened vulnerabilities, including gender-based violence, forced marriage, and persecution based on their faith. Accordingly, they face an acute risk of serious harm if forcibly returned to Afghanistan.
An Open Doors spokesperson shares, “The provisions contained in this penal code raise serious concerns for the protection of women and girls in Afghanistan. When the law permits violence in the home, it leaves already vulnerable communities with even less protection. For Christian Afghan women seeking refuge abroad, a forced return could expose them to immediate danger, including targeted persecution, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and even extrajudicial killings”.
To learn more about how Open Doors is actively working with Christian women affected by violence, click here.
Please pray:
- For women and girls in Afghanistan to hear God’s Word.
- For the compassion of husbands and male relatives in a family, that they choose love and care rather than cruelty and an extreme interpretation of Islam.
- For God to be present and bless these women in their restricted circumstances by providing a means to grow and thrive.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
