Otunbayeva Warns Closure of Women’s Hair Salons Poses Threat to Afghanistan’s Economy

UN Special Representative, Roza Otunbayeva, warns that the closure of women’s hair salons in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to the country’s economy.

Otunbayeva expressed concern over the recent ban imposed by the Taliban on women’s beauty salons, stating that it is a major setback for poverty reduction and economic progress. She pointed out that the decision disproportionately affects female entrepreneurs and contradicts the current authorities’ commitment to supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

According to Otunbayeva, the ban is expected to have devastating consequences, resulting in more than 60,000 women losing their jobs and the closure of over 12,000 cosmetic businesses.

The International Labor Organization has also weighed in, reporting a significant decline in women’s employment in Afghanistan following the ban.