Kabul, Sept. 7 -- The Taliban's response to women affected by the earthquake has been hindered by strict gender rules and cultural restrictions, as even after 36 hours of the earthquake, the relief did not touch even a single woman, as laws regarding women barred it, New York Times reported.

The Taliban's "no skin contact with unrelated males" rule prohibits male rescuers from physically assisting women, even in life-threatening situations. This has led to delays or denial of medical care to women trapped under rubble.

One of the survivors, a 19-year-old Aysha, from Andarluckak, in Kunar Province, lamented Taliban restrictions and cultural barriers that leave injured women and girls facing a dire lack of medical care, many without help....