ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In the wake of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, women have found themselves increasingly isolated from economic opportunities. Among those struggling to survive, some women have turned to the trade of human hair, selling it for use in wig-making. While this underground market once offered crucial income, a recent government ban has forced many to engage in the practice covertly, risking severe consequences.
Fatima, a 28-year-old woman who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons, is one of the few still employed in Kabul’s private sector since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. Despite the risks, she continues to sell her hair for a modest price—just over $3 for every 100 grams. Fatima notes that her income from hair sales, added to her modest $100 monthly salary, is critical for supporting herself and purchasing essentials for her home.
The practice of selling hair is not limited to Kabul. Buyers, often acting as middlemen, regularly visit private homes to collect hair, which is then exported to neighboring countries like Pakistan and China for wig production. Despite the growing demand, the Taliban’s crackdown on women’s rights has made this trade dangerous, especially as it falls under their broader restrictions on “un-Islamic” activities.
Taliban’s Morality Laws Target Hair Sales
In a recent decree, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice banned the sale of body parts, including human hair. The ministry argued that the trade of hair had become “normalized” in Afghan society, and enforcing this ban is seen as an effort to preserve Islamic values and human dignity.
Saiful Islam Khyber, a spokesman for the ministry, stated that the hair trade violated the Taliban’s principles of moral governance. In January, the ministry took the drastic step of burning nearly one tonne of human hair to uphold these standards. “Selling body parts is not allowed,” Khyber emphasized, underscoring the regime’s commitment to restricting such activities.
The ban has resulted in a dire economic situation for many Afghan women who had relied on this income. For Fatima and others like her, selling hair was a modest but vital way to contribute financially, especially in a country where unemployment is high, and the majority of the population lives below the poverty line.
A Silent Struggle for Survival
Despite the Taliban’s efforts to suppress the trade, many women continue to find ways to sell their hair, often at great personal risk. Fatima, for example, arranges to meet buyers in secret locations during prayer times when Taliban officials are occupied elsewhere. Her determination reflects a broader trend among women in Afghanistan, who, despite being stripped of many freedoms, continue to engage in underground activities to support their families.
In Kabul, Narges, a 43-year-old widow and hairdresser, operates a secret salon where she serves a limited number of wealthy clients. Before the Taliban’s return, Narges would cut hair for five to six customers daily, but now, business is sparse. Some clients even request to take the cut hair with them for future sale, knowing its growing value despite the risks.
“I had to shut down most of my business,” Narges said. “But there are still those who care about beauty and come to me. They ask for their hair, and I give it to them, hoping it will help them survive.”
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Uncertainty
For some women, the trade has become a lifeline. Wahida, a 33-year-old widow and mother of three, once earned a small income by selling her hair. Now, however, with the trade banned, she holds on to strands of hair collected from her daughter and herself, hoping that the buyers will return. “I had hope when I used to sell my hair,” Wahida shared, sitting at home with her children. “Now, I’m devastated, but I still have to keep it for when I might need to sell again.”
Despite the grave risks, these women persist in their attempts to maintain their dignity and contribute to their families’ well-being in a country where the economic landscape continues to deteriorate under the Taliban’s rule.
The Wider Impact of Taliban Restrictions on Women
The situation of women like Fatima, Narges, and Wahida highlights the broader impact of the Taliban’s restrictions on Afghan women. With educational opportunities and employment prospects severely limited, many women have turned to alternative methods of supporting themselves, even when faced with harsh penalties for doing so. The UN has labeled the ongoing repression as a form of “gender apartheid,” underscoring the systemic nature of the oppression faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule.
As the situation continues to unfold, the resilience of Afghan women shines through, even in the face of increasingly stringent laws and regulations. Their secret efforts to engage in the hair trade are a testament to their determination to survive and care for their families in a society that has restricted their freedoms and opportunities for far too long.
While the future remains uncertain, these women continue to navigate the risks of their daily lives, finding ways to sustain themselves in the face of overwhelming adversity.
