Since the ban on Afghanistan’s beauty industry was enforced, thousands of women have found themselves abruptly stripped of their primary source of income. This crackdown not only wipes out the livelihoods of salon owners, stylists, and makeup artists but also dismantles an entire ecosystem where women exercised agency and built professional networks. Many of these workers lack alternative employment opportunities due to widespread gender discrimination, making the economic impact particularly devastating. Families dependent on these incomes face increased poverty and food insecurity, exacerbating the country’s already fragile socio-economic landscape.

Furthermore, the closure of salons and cosmetic shops eliminates vital spaces where…