Afghan women protest restrictions

KABUL: More than a dozen Afghan women protested briefly in Kabul yesterday, calling for their rights to be recognised on the eve of the UN’S International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Afghan women have been squeezed out of public life since the Taliban’s return to power in August last year. Organisers said the Taliban had briefly detained three of the protesters, releasing them after they were “humiliated and insulted”.

Most women government workers have lost their jobs. Women have also been barred from travelling without a male relative, and must cover up with a burqa or hijab when outside.