As schools in Afghanistan reopened for the new academic year, the Taliban’s decision to bar girls from secondary education continues to draw criticism both locally and internationally. This move, labeled as “gender apartheid” by the United Nations, has left many girls and their families deeply disappointed and concerned about the future of education in the country.
Despite the ceremonial start of the school year, marked by boys carrying Taliban flags, the absence of girls from secondary schools is palpable. Girls like 18-year-old Zuhal Shirzad express their frustration at being denied the opportunity to continue their education, while boys proceed with their studies without hindrance.
The ban on girls’ education beyond elementary school has created a sense of despair among young women like Asma Alkozai, who emphasize the importance of education for societal progress. Online classes have emerged as an alternative, but challenges such as limited access to technology and the impersonal nature of virtual learning persist.
The Taliban government’s exclusion of women from various aspects of public life, including education and participation in public spaces, has drawn condemnation from international bodies like the United Nations. Calls for ending the ban on girls’ education echo the sentiment that education is essential for peace and prosperity.
Local voices, including students like 13-year-old Mudasir and 15-year-old Faiz Ahmad Nohmani, advocate for girls’ right to education within an Islamic framework. They emphasize that educated women contribute positively to society and should be given equal opportunities for learning.
The ongoing exclusion of girls from secondary education in Afghanistan highlights broader concerns about women’s rights and access to education under Taliban rule. The international community’s pressure to lift these restrictions reflects a collective effort to uphold fundamental human rights and ensure a brighter future for all Afghan citizens.
Sources By Agencies
