In Afghanistan, the burqa covers a woman’s body, leaving a small, concealing net for the eyes. Before the Taliban gained power in Afghanistan the burqa was rarely worn in urban centres. Under the Taliban, all women had to wear the burqa and kept in purda, isolated from the public unless accompanied by a male family member. Other severe restrictions were also placed upon all women. Today, women are allowed to expose their faces but must keep their head and body covered. Outside of urban areas, where there is greater political instability, more women wear burqas.