Mothers defy Taliban to press for daughters' continued schooling, with new leadership in Kabul expected to roll back female access to public sphere

After referendum, authorities have two years to draw up legislation; exceptions expected to be made for COVID face masks

Long-planned referendum to ban certain face coverings takes on new meaning during time of global pandemic

Muslim activist made the claim in a speech while wearing a niqab at a demonstration against the ban on face-covering garment

Women wearing face-covering veils in schools, hospitals, and on public transportation could now face fines

Biggest rise in limitations during 2007-2017 was in Europe, with clampdowns on religious dress; European Jewish and Muslim groups complain of attempts to criminalize circumcision