Taliban’s Education Ban on Afghan Teen Girls
- Afghan teenage girls express despair over the prolonged Taliban ban on their education, leaving them feeling mentally drained.
- More than 900 days have passed since girls over 12 were barred from attending school.
- Taliban’s promises of readmission for girls once certain conditions are met, including an “Islamic” curriculum, remain unfulfilled.
Impact on Afghan Girls and Their Despair
- Over 1.4 million Afghan girls have been affected by the ban, leading to a sense of hopelessness among former classmates like Habiba, Mahtab, and Tamana.
- Dreams of education and future prospects are diminishing among these girls, who describe themselves as “mentally dead.”
Timeline of the Ban and Current Situation
- Girls were initially prohibited from attending secondary school in September 2021, shortly after the Taliban’s takeover.
- Despite promises of a new education policy aligned with Islamic principles, girls remain excluded from school as a third new school year begins.
- Even top-performing students like Zainab find themselves unable to pursue their dreams, feeling as though they’ve buried their aspirations.
Challenges Faced by Girls and Families
- Families, facing economic hardships, struggle to prioritize online education for their daughters.
- Many girls, like Zainab, resort to alternative means of learning such as clandestine English classes or online courses.
- Girls who do not conform to the Taliban’s standards, such as appearing older than they are, are also denied education opportunities.
Wider Implications and International Response
- The ban extends beyond secondary education, affecting university attendance and imposing restrictions on women’s mobility and rights.
- Efforts by civil society and international organizations aim to provide clandestine education, but they’re deemed insufficient.
- Amnesty International urges immediate action by the international community to pressure the Taliban and support education in Afghanistan.
Conclusion: Lingering Uncertainty and Resilience
- Afghan girls like Habiba, Mahtab, and Tamana continue to hope for a reopening of schools but face uncertainty under the current regime.
- Despite challenges, some maintain hope while others question the government’s commitment to girls’ education, feeling marginalized and disregarded.