Amir Khan Muttaqi's recent visit to India, the first by an Afghan Foreign Minister since the Taliban seized power in 2021, has drawn attention to the stark contrast between diplomatic engagement and the ongoing repression of women in Afghanistan. While Muttaqi engaged in talks aimed at fostering economic ties and securing regional recognition, the absence of women journalists at his press conference in Delhi served as a potent symbol of the Taliban's systematic erasure of women from public life.

Since the Taliban's return to power, numerous decrees and directives have curtailed the fundamental rights and freedoms of Afghan women. Restrictions on education, employment, and freedom of movement have effectively pushed women to the margins of society. The United Nations has reported that women are denied opportunities to join the workforce and are unable to access essential services without a male relative. Girls are still deprived of their right to education, with bans on schooling beyond the sixth grade.

The Taliban'sregulations extend to various aspects of daily life. Women are barred from participating in sports, accessing gyms and parks, and traveling without a male guardian. They are mandated to wear face coverings in public, and many have lost their jobs in governmental and non-governmental organizations. These restrictions, enforced through surveillance and violence, reflect the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The absence of women journalists at Muttaqi's press conference in Delhi underscores the limitations on freedom of expression and the exclusion of women from public discourse in Afghanistan. This incident mirrors the broader reality where women's voices are silenced, and their presence in public spaces is minimized.

Despite claims from Taliban officials that they are safeguarding the rights of women within the framework of Islamic Sharia law, evidence suggests otherwise. Reports from human rights organizations and the UN document ongoing violations of international norms and rights protections. The international community has widely condemned the Taliban's treatment of women, with some describing it as "gender apartheid".

India, like most countries except Russia, does not officially recognize the Taliban administration. However, the recent visit and India's decision to upgrade its "technical mission" in Kabul to an embassy signal a willingness to engage with the de facto authorities. This engagement is driven by a desire to promote regional stability, foster economic ties, and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches the Afghan people.

While diplomatic engagement is essential, it is crucial to maintain a focus on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, particularly the rights of women and girls. The international community must continue to press the Taliban to respect the fundamental freedoms of all Afghans and ensure that women are able to participate fully in public life. The situation demands a balanced approach that combines diplomatic dialogue with unwavering advocacy for human rights and gender equality.