Education
Taliban-imposed Ban on Girl Students Progressing Beyond Third Grade: Report
Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: Taliban Implements New Ban on Female Education, Sparking Concerns for Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
Introduction:
Local Taliban officials in Afghanistan have recently imposed a stricter restriction on female education, prohibiting girls over the age of 10 from attending primary school classes. This new ban, which follows previous limitations on girls’ education, has raised concerns about the future of women’s rights and access to education in the country. The United Nations has criticized the Taliban for further increasing restrictions on women and girls, particularly in the areas of education and employment.
Content:
The Ministry of Education, under Taliban rule, recently informed school principals in Ghazni province about the ban on girls older than 10 years attending primary schools. Previously, girls up to the sixth grade were allowed to receive an education, but now they are being prevented from entering school. Moreover, in some provinces, the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance has separated girls by age, instructing principals to send female students above the third grade home. These measures are part of a series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban, including the prohibition of girls from secondary education, as well as the ban on college and university education for women.
Due to these new restrictions, there is growing concern about the impact on women’s rights and access to education in Afghanistan. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the Taliban’s actions, noting that the new bans on women and girls further restrict their opportunities for growth and development. The restrictions on education and employment opportunities for women have been cited as major setbacks for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan.
In addition, the Taliban regime has imposed a ban on women’s involvement in various aspects of public life and work. Women are no longer allowed to work at local and non-governmental organizations, causing further limitations on their economic independence. Furthermore, in April, the banning of female education was extended to employees of the United Nations, exacerbating the negative impact on the international community’s efforts to support women’s education in the country.
Conclusion:
The tightening of restrictions on female education by the Taliban in Afghanistan has raised serious concerns about women’s rights and access to education. The United Nations and various global organizations have criticized the Taliban’s actions, highlighting the detrimental impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment. These new regulations not only hinder women’s educational opportunities but also limit their participation in public life and work. As the international community continues to advocate for women’s rights in Afghanistan, the future of education for women and girls remains uncertain in the face of these restrictive measures.