Afghan Girls Demand Right to Education on International Student Day

On International Student Day, Afghan girls are raising their voices, demanding access to education, a fundamental right that has been denied to them by the Taliban. Despite facing restrictions, these brave students stress the importance of education and call on the Taliban to open the doors of universities for them.

Madina, a 23-year-old third-year sociology student at Kabul University, expressed the impact of the education ban on her dreams. “My dream was to finish my bachelor’s degree in sociology and then study for a master’s degree in law so that I could defend the rights of Afghan girls,” she lamented.

Other students, both male and female, are urging the current Afghan government to reopen universities promptly, emphasizing the need for education in the country. Toba, another student, conveyed their request, saying, “Our request to the current government and the international community is to open the gates of universities and schools for female classes so that female students can also benefit from the blessings of education.”

The students believe that educating women is vital for the growth and progress of society. Sayed Rohullah, a student, stated, “Our sisters are half of society; education should be given to them so that we can grow our society and yours.”

However, the Taliban has not commented on these demands on International Student Day. The spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, mentioned ongoing efforts to create facilities for students, including scholarships and specialized educational departments.

Despite these assurances, recent reports indicate that the Taliban has been cracking down on schools teaching girls foreign languages. Intelligence forces, along with officials from the Ministry of Education, have raided and sealed some of these schools, preventing girls from attending courses. This action further underscores the challenges Afghan girls face in accessing education under the Taliban’s rule.

The ban on girls attending schools beyond the sixth grade has been in effect for over two years, and the Taliban has yet to take significant steps to reopen educational institutions for girls. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, women in Afghanistan have faced severe restrictions, impacting their access to education, employment, and public spaces. The plight of Afghan girls remains a critical concern on the international stage, as advocates continue to call for the restoration of their right to education.