The head of the Taliban Ulema Council in Kabul has recently declared all forms of education for women and girls to be “absolutely forbidden,” stating that women should not attend any educational institution. He emphasized that this ban also applies to religious schools and that education for women is not permissible at any level.
According to an audio recording that has been released, the Taliban official also described modern sciences, including science and technology, as “superfluous knowledge” and reiterated the complete prohibition of education for girls and women. These remarks come as educational restrictions in Afghanistan continue to remain in force.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed extensive restrictions on the education of women and girls. Currently, girls above the sixth grade are barred from continuing their education, and universities remain closed to women.
The Taliban’s educational policies toward women over the past three years have drawn widespread domestic and international criticism. Human rights organizations, educational institutions, and numerous countries have repeatedly called for the removal of these restrictions and the reopening of educational centers to girls and women.
Experts warn that the continuation of these restrictions could have far-reaching social, economic, and humanitarian consequences for Afghanistan, further limiting educational opportunities for millions of girls and women.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
