Women’s Rights Activist to Zharfa: Educational Restrictions Have Severely Impacted Afghan Girls and Women

Since the Taliban’s return to power, severe restrictions have been imposed on the education of girls and women in Afghanistan.

Initially, girls above the sixth grade were barred from attending school, followed by the closure of universities and higher education institutions to women.

The only remaining opportunity for education was in health institutes, which were also closed to women last year.

The Taliban promised that suitable conditions would be provided for girls’ and women’s education, but four years later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

Amid these challenges, some women’s rights activists have criticized the Taliban’s educational restrictions and warned of their negative consequences.

Shabana Shabdeez, a women’s rights activist, told Zharfa News Agency: “Afghan women have been deprived of their right to education, and the doors of knowledge and learning have been closed to them. Despite the efforts of Afghan women and some international organizations, most girls in various regions, including Farah, have been denied access to the internet and online education due to the Taliban’s recent decree.”

Regarding the consequences of educational deprivation, she added: “These restrictions over the past four years have had severe and adverse effects on Afghan women and girls, including increased forced marriages, underage marriages, runaways, and domestic violence.”

Shabdeez also highlighted the economic impacts, stating that “this situation has pushed the economy of Afghan families and society toward darkness and ruin.”

She emphasized: “Over these four years, we have repeatedly sought help from international organizations and countries, but their responses have been limited to general statements with no effective action.”

The activist further noted: “If human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression are truly valued by the international community, they must take practical steps to pressure the Taliban to secure the human and Islamic rights of women.”

In conclusion, she asserted: “Our goal is to build a free, prosperous, and advanced Afghanistan for ourselves and future generations, where all people work together for a better future.”