Taliban: Women must consent to marriage

Afghanistan’s Taliban government released on Friday a decree on women’s rights, stating that women should not be considered “property” and must consent to marriage.

The order failed to mention, however, female access to education or work outside the home, Reuters reported.

"A woman is not a property, but a noble and free human being,” the decree, released by Taliban spokesman Zabihillah Muhajid, said.

“No one can give her to anyone in exchange for peace… or to end animosity.”

The government set out rules governing marriage and property for women, proclaiming that women should not be forced into marriage and that widows should have a share in their late husband’s property.