Since the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan, strict laws that violate women's human rights have increasingly been implemented. A new penal code drafted by the Taliban includes provisions that position women as subordinate to men, categorizing them similarly to 'slaves.' This startling law allows husbands to physically discipline their wives as long as they ensure that there are no broken bones or open wounds. Furthermore, even if domestic violence is proven, the maximum punishment for the husband is only 15 days in prison, highlighting the severe lack of protection for women under this regime.

The newly introduced penal code is a lengthy document of nearly 90 pages, signed by the Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, and it is set to be distributed to courts shortly. The code categorizes individuals within society based on religious and social grounds, placing religious leaders at the top of the hierarchy while the lower classes are positioned at the bottom. This structure ensures that punishments will vary depending on an individual's social status, meaning that prominent religious figures may escape with mere warnings should they commit crimes.

The implications of this new law are profound, as it not only institutionalizes gender-based violence but also perpetuates systemic inequality in Afghan society. By enabling husbands to physically abuse their wives with minimal repercussions, the Taliban is affirmatively endorsing a culture of violence against women. This development is indicative of a broader trend under the Taliban's rule to suppress women's rights and reinforce patriarchal norms, with devastating consequences for Afghan women’s lives and freedoms.