KABUL: The Ministry of Vice and Virtue in Afghanistan has said that women’s beauty salons were closed down in the country because they failed to adhere to the guidelines.
The ministry said that these guidelines were dispatched to the salons four months ago, but unfortunately, they were not followed.
A copy of the guidelines obtained reveals several instructions that the female make-up artists were expected to comply with. The list says that female make-up artists are required to perform prayers during the designated prayer times. Observance of the Islamic hijab is mandatory. The makeup materials used should not interfere with ablution (Wudhu). Women seeking makeup services have to perform ablution before the procedure. Security cameras were strictly prohibited within the confines of the women’s beauty salons. Men are not permitted inside the women’s beauty salons. Every women’s beauty salon is required to provide a designated area for ablution, and female make-up artists are not allowed to visit clients’ houses.
Mohammad Akif Mahajar, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue’s spokesperson, emphasized that despite granting them a reasonable grace period, the salons failed to comply with the guidelines, which eventually led to their closure, according to foreign media.
Salons’ owners express concerns
On the other hand, the union of women’s beauty salons has expressed their concerns, asserting that the Ministry of Vice and Virtue did not have a concrete plan to oversee the implementation of the guidelines after they were delivered to the salons. They believe that the abrupt decision to shut down the salons was unwarranted.
Meena Sultani, the head of the Union of Women’s beauty salons in Kabul, stated, they informed us about the guidelines, and we worked with the female make-up artists to ensure that tattoos should not be performed in the salons, and clients should observe hijab inside the premises. She further highlighted that their businesses are operated in accordance with Islamic principles, including regular prayers and ablution, and they offer reasonable pricing to their clients.
The female make-up artists themselves expressed their willingness to comply with any guidelines put forth by the Islamic Emirate, but they fervently request that their businesses not be shut down. Sadaf, a female make-up artist, suggested that the authorities should have conducted a comprehensive survey to identify salons that were not adhering to the 14 principle guidelines and hold them accountable accordingly.
Mahtab, another female make-up artist, urged the Islamic Emirate to consider granting them an opportunity to continue their work, allowing those who abide by the guidelines to operate their salons. She emphasized that for many, being employed in these salons is essential as they are the sole breadwinners for their families.
According to reports from the union of female makeup artists, the closure of women’s beauty salons could result in over 50,000 workers losing their jobs. This abrupt decision has raised concerns among salon owners and artists, who hope for reconsideration from the authorities.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and the Islamic Emirate will respond to the appeals and concerns raised by the affected parties.
