In a concerning development, the Taliban has enforced the closure of beauty salons in Afghanistan, affecting the livelihoods of women. As the one-month deadline passed, the women were left with no choice but to shut down their businesses. The situation escalated when beauticians protested against the oppressive measure, leading to a violent response from the Taliban guards, who used water cannons and stun guns against the demonstrators. The United Nations is now engaging in discussions with Afghan authorities to address the ban on beauty salons and the increasing restrictions on women's rights under the Taliban's rule, which returned to power in 2021.