After 20 months, Taliban still believe education for girls in Afghanistan against Islamic teaching

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Start of the New Educational Year in Afghanistan without the presence of girls is a matter of big shame for world leaders.

“The Campaign for Girls Access to Education in Afghanistan” composed of more than twenty-five educational and human rights institutions and organizations has asked or reopening of schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan.

The campaign in its statement issued March 24 2023 sent to “Religions News Agency (REDNA)” declared it is the third educational year that starts without the presence of girls in Afghanistan. Today marks 550 day that girls in Afghanistan have been forbidden/banned from attending schools and universities. Continued closure of educational institutions for girls is an ultimately unpleasant and shameful act in the 21st century and a historical disgrace. It has been 20 months since the Taliban took over the country and the basis for their claim preventing girls from education is utterly against Islamic teaching, cultural norms, and contrary to the laws and commitment of the Afghans – eventually, it is more similar to a political hostage-taking and leverage.

The continued ban on girls’ education by the Taliban has disappointed youth and negatively affected their hope for a better future. Afghanistan can progress only when there are equal, better quality, and inclusive educational opportunities for both girls and boys. It is a mere fact that education is one of the powerful tools for reducing or even eradicating poverty and inequality. Education is the basis for economic progress in any country.

In the past 20 years, millions of girls and women received various training and education in Afghanistan. World leaders in support of the Afghan people and civil societies have promised commitment at the regional and international levels to implement the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4. It is time for them to fulfill their promises. It is the responsibility of all the countries and the United Nations who believe in equality, justice, and human rights to stand beside the scores of Afghan girls and their families who are struggling for the reopening of the schools and universities and the urgent reinstatement of the stabilization of the political, social and cultural situation in Afghanistan.

As the statement said the network of defenders of girls’ access to education urged world leaders, the United Nations, and Regional and International allies to take a courageous and coordinated step toward the reopening of girls’ schools and universities in Afghanistan. The network mainly demanded more than an announcement of solidarity, social media messages, or unfruitful (ceremonial) meetings. Such approaches might happen with good intentions, but they are not enough to hold the Taliban responsible for their policies against women’s and girls’ rights. Therefore, it is a must that world leaders put urgent and productive pressure through the political and diplomatic channels on the Taliban at the International level and should seriously support the reopening of girls’ schools and universities in Afghanistan.

The network demanded serious interference by Islamic countries, Islamic Cooperation Organizations, and regional countries to put pressure on the Taliban to remove restrictions and bans they have imposed on women and girls that prevent them from education, work and ensure the safe return of the girls and women to schools, universities, and work. It is the moral responsibility of the political leaders and Islamic scholars to stand by the defenders, advocates, and activists for Girls’ education in this harsh situation and make their legitimate voice heard through such organization’s support so that there is a path for a progressive future in Afghanistan.

The statement of the network said it is a human catastrophe for Afghan women and girls as the Taliban impose more restrictions on them, takes their freedom and rights, and imposes gender apartheid.  To end such tragedy, we request the international community and the United Nations Security Council to interfere from a human rights point of view to secure human rights, especially prevent women’s rights violations according to international laws and regulations, and find practical exit strategies.

Any society where women and girls lack freedom of speech and freedom of expression will not progress and ultimately will not achieve sustainable development goals. Educated and empowered women/girls can make our world safer. It is necessary to take urgent and brave steps for a better future for Afghan women and girls.