Marwa Ghyasi, holding a master of international relations
Afghanistan is the only country in the world where women are systematically denied the fundamental right to education. For more than a year, the Taliban has banned female education, depriving Afghan women and girls of a basic and essential human right. Despite the promise of a new year and the arrival of spring, the Taliban has cruelly denied thousands of Afghan girls access to education. This denial of educational opportunities has had far-reaching consequences for Afghan women and girls, affecting their prospects for the future, their ability to engage in meaningful work, and their overall quality of life. The situation has plunged them into a state of despair, frustration, and hopelessness. As the new academic year approached, the hopes and aspirations of Afghan girls were high, with many believing that the Taliban’s stance on women’s education might soften after the winter break. They looked forward to the reopening of schools and universities, hoping to continue their education and fulfill their potential. Unfortunately, these hopes have been brutally dashed by the Taliban’s refusal to allow girls to attend school, leaving them no choice but to accept the harsh reality that their right to education has been taken away.
This is very unfortunate that in spring season, when nature is blooming and flourishing once again but on the contrary the Taliban have stunted the minds of millions of people by closing the doors of educational institutions, preventing the country from growing and thriving. The dreams and aspirations of an entire generation have been shattered, leaving Afghan girls and women feeling like empty shells, robbed of their humanity and potential. Life in Afghanistan has been marked by numerous hardships for its residents, who have endured captivity, slavery, displacement, migration, mysterious murders, and poverty. Regrettably, the Taliban have turned Afghanistan into a military prison, holding nearly 40 million people captive and subjecting them to various forms of torture. Women are particularly vulnerable among these captives and are often forced to make greater sacrifices than men. This situation is particularly harrowing for women, who face even more fragile and perilous circumstances and are at greater risk of harm.
The power of education for women is immeasurable, as it leads to increased knowledge and independence, ultimately fostering a literate and informed family and generation. Such education is also essential in toppling tyrannical and oppressive governments since nothing can erode the foundations of such governments like the literacy and awareness of their oppressed people. The Taliban is well aware of this fact and seeks to keep women and society in the dark, recognizing that educated women pose the greatest threat to their regime. Additionally, excluding women from education and work opportunities severely hinders the potential economic growth of the country. Studies have demonstrated that investing in women’s education and employment leads to increased productivity and economic growth. By denying women the right to education and work, the Taliban are constraining the economic potential of Afghanistan and causing it to lag behind other countries in the region.
Access to education and equal opportunities for women is crucial for building a peaceful, prosperous, and just society. Studies have shown that when women have access to education and are able to participate in the workforce, they contribute significantly to the economy and help reduce poverty. Women’s education also leads to better health outcomes for themselves and their families, lower child mortality rates, and increased levels of social and political participation. Empowering women through education is not only a human rights issue but also a matter of economic development, social stability, and political progress. Education can provide a pathway out of poverty and contribute to economic development and social stability. On the other hand, the lack of education can lead to a cycle of poverty and violence, as individuals may be forced to turn to illegal means to survive. The Taliban’s efforts to deprive women of education and participation in society not only violate their basic human rights but also harm the future of Afghanistan as a whole.
Despite their strict policies on female education, the Taliban have sent their own daughters to study in schools and universities abroad, including in Pakistan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and the United States. This double standard only exacerbates the sense of injustice and oppression that permeates life for all Afghan people, particularly women. Faced with such a bleak situation, many are considering migration and escape as the only way to break free from this oppressive confinement.
The Taliban’s view of women is a fundamental violation of the principles of equality and justice that are essential to any civilized society. Their ban on women’s education not only deprives women of their basic human rights but also harms the country’s progress and development. It is the responsibility of governments and societies to provide access to education for all, regardless of gender or other factors, and to ensure that women have equal opportunities for education, employment, and participation in decision-making.
Furthermore, the Taliban’s denial of women’s rights flagrantly violates international human rights laws and principles. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, clearly stipulates that everyone has the right to education and work without discrimination on the basis of gender. By depriving women of these rights, the Taliban are committing a heinous violation of fundamental human rights and perpetrating a severe injustice against half of the Afghan population.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, women have organized numerous protests against the oppressive measures and restrictions imposed on them. These demonstrations have frequently involved women taking to the streets to demand their rights. Most recently, women have been calling for the reopening of schools and universities, which have been closed to female students. Despite their unwavering efforts, these protests have failed to achieve their desired outcome.
In the latest act of defiance against the ban on women’s education, female students conducted a symbolic protest by reading books and studying behind closed doors at universities. This powerful gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Despite facing significant obstacles, including threats of violence and intimidation, these women have shown remarkable courage and determination in their pursuit of knowledge and education. Their actions are a testament to the resilience and unwavering commitment of Afghan women who continue to fight for their fundamental human rights in the face of immense adversity.
Finally, it is imperative that the international community takes action to support the rights of Afghan women and hold the Taliban accountable for their human rights violations. The international community must stand in solidarity with Afghan women and support their right to education. We must work collaboratively to provide education, economic opportunities, and support for women’s organizations to empower Afghan women.
