The Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice of Afghanistan denies the removal of the Women's Affairs Ministry, saying that it is working on a plan to ensure the rights of women under the structure of this ministry.

“The Islamic Emirate did not remove the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, but they are arranging a framework for it,” said Sheikh Mohammad Khalid, minister of the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

After a sign on the building of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs was replaced with one for the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, and the use of the building apparently changed, women's rights activists strongly reacted, saying that the Islamic Emirate should remain committed to the rights of women.

The women rights activists called on the officials of the ministry to immediately implement the plans made regarding women rights.

“We hope that the current government provides a specific address for women’s affairs, so through that their single voice would be heard,” said Mawlouda Tawana, a women rights defender.

Women rights activists said they expected the ministry to implement its plans to ensure women's rights in Afghanistan, and include women in political and social areas.

“There is decreased trust of the Afghan people, especially women, in the pledges made by the Taliban, we hope to carry on our serious and persistent struggle to ensure the rights of Afghan women,” said Mariam Maroof Arvien, a women's rights activist.

Officials of the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice downplayed the former Ministry of Women’s Affairs as symbolic, saying that they are working on new plans which will give women the right to work under the supervision of this institution.

“Our aim is to prepare a place in the Bagh-e-Shahr Ara, which is 13 acres of land, where women get together and carry out activities that agree with Islamic principles and Afghan values,” said Akif Mahajer, spokesperson for the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

One of the conditions of the international community to recognize the government of the Islamic Emirate is that they maintain the rights of women and give them the right to work.