The Taliban Closes Beauty Salons in Afghanistan (Free ESL Lesson)

Lesson made on July 6, 2023

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Reading Lesson:

The Taliban, a political and military group with strong beliefs based on their interpretation of Islam, regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. They are known for strict rules, particularly towards women's rights and freedoms. Many of the Taliban's new rules exclude women and girls from education, public spaces, and most types of employment.

The Taliban recently announced that they're going to close all women's beauty salons in the country. They said this is because these salons offer beauty treatments that they believe are not allowed in Islam. They also mentioned that these salons create financial problems for families during weddings, as it's traditional for the groom's family to pay for the bride's salon visit.

This decision has raised eyebrows across the world. Many people are scared about what this could mean for women in Afghanistan, especially those who own or work in these salons. This is just one more rule that the Taliban has put in place that limits the rights of women and girls in the country.

In a video, a Taliban spokesperson mentioned specific salon services that they believe are morally wrong. These included shaping eyebrows, using hair extensions, and applying makeup.

This new decision to close beauty salons will have a big impact on women who own or work in them. Many women who relied on the salons for their income now face an uncertain future, as they will lose their jobs and means of supporting their families.

Comprehension Questions:

Speaking and Writing Activities:

- Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

- Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. How important are places like beauty salons in your life and in your culture?

2. In your country of origin, are women and men equal? Explain.

3. How have women's roles and rights changed over time in your country of origin?

More Reading Practice:

What is the Taliban?

The Taliban is a group that originated in Afghanistan, a country in Central Asia. This group started in the 1990s and has played a significant role in the country's history since then. The word "Taliban" actually means "students" in Pashto, a language spoken in Afghanistan. The people who joined the Taliban were often educated in religious schools, where they learned a very strict interpretation of Islam, a major world religion.

The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 1996. Under their rule, the country followed a rigid set of rules. For instance, women were not allowed to go to school or have jobs. They also had to cover their entire bodies with a type of dress called a burqa when they went outside. People were also punished very harshly if they broke the rules.

However, the Taliban's control over Afghanistan came to an end in 2001. After the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11 in the United States, the US military and their allies came to Afghanistan. They were able to push the Taliban out of power because the Taliban was believed to be protecting Osama bin Laden, the man responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

After they lost power, the Taliban did not disappear completely. They retreated to remote areas of Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan. From there, they've continued to fight against the Afghan government and foreign forces, trying to regain control. This ongoing conflict has made life very difficult for the people living in Afghanistan.

It's important to remember that the beliefs and actions of the Taliban do not represent all Afghans or all Muslims. Just like with any large group of people, there is a wide range of beliefs and attitudes among Afghans and Muslims around the world.

Tell me about the history of women in Afghanistan.

The history of women in Afghanistan is marked by periods of progress and setback. The struggle for women's rights and equality continues, reflecting the broader challenges that Afghanistan faces as it navigates the path towards peace and prosperity. Understanding this history is important as it provides context to the ongoing struggle of Afghan women for their rights and dignity.

To start our journey, let's rewind to the late 19th century, during the reign of Amir Abdul Rahman Khan. During this period, women's rights were quite limited, as cultural and traditional practices often overshadowed them. Women mainly stayed at home, handling household duties and taking care of their families. They rarely received formal education and had limited roles in public life.

As we move forward to the 20th century, some positive changes began to appear. In the 1920s, King Amanullah Khan initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the country. These included promoting the education of women and reducing their restrictions in public life. Unfortunately, these changes were met with resistance from more traditional segments of society, and King Amanullah was eventually overthrown.

The situation for women significantly improved in the 1960s and 1970s. A new constitution in 1964 gave women the right to vote and allowed them to participate more fully in public and political life. During this period, you could see women working as doctors, teachers, and even politicians.

However, the good times didn't last long. The Soviet invasion in 1979 and the subsequent civil war drastically affected the country, including the lives of women. Violence and instability forced many women back into their homes, depriving them of education and employment opportunities.

In the mid-1990s, a group known as the Taliban took control of the country. Under their harsh rule, women faced extreme restrictions. They were not allowed to work, go to school, or even leave their homes without a male escort. This was a dark time for women in Afghanistan, where their rights and freedoms were severely limited.

After the Taliban were removed from power in 2001 by international forces, the situation improved for women. A new constitution in 2004 reaffirmed women's rights and gender equality. Women started to reclaim their roles in society, attending school, and returning to work. Despite facing significant challenges, they strive to create a better future for themselves and their country.

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