As the Taliban’s ban on girls’ secondary education continues, new findings reveal a stark contrast between government policies and public opinion in Afghanistan. A nationwide survey by UN Women shows that more than 90% of Afghan adults support girls’ education. This statistic highlights a growing divide between the will of the people and the ongoing repression under the Taliban regime.
The survey, which involved over 2,000 Afghan participants, underscores a compelling reality. Despite the institutionalized restrictions on women and girls, the desire for education remains deeply embedded in Afghan society. “It is clear: Despite the existing bans, the Afghan people want their daughters to exercise their right to education,” said Sofia Calltorp, UN Women’s Chief of Humanitarian Action.
The Women’s Rights Crisis
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed an increasingly dire women’s rights crisis. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that prohibits girls from attending secondary school. This decision has sparked international condemnation. Afghan girls are left without crucial opportunities for social and economic mobility.
According to UN Women, Afghanistan’s education crisis is emblematic of a broader pattern of gender-based discrimination. This pattern affects nearly every aspect of women’s lives. Alongside the education ban, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women’s freedom of movement. They have also restricted employment and participation in public life. These actions are deepening the crisis for millions of Afghan women and girls.
The Unwavering Desire for Education
Despite these restrictions, Afghan girls and women have not lost hope. In interviews and surveys conducted by UN Women, it is clear that girls are desperate to resume their education. “This is almost always what girls tell us first. They are desperate to learn. They just want the chance to gain an education,” said Susan Ferguson, UN Women’s Special Representative in Afghanistan.
Education is seen as a critical lifeline, offering not only knowledge but also the potential to break free from poverty and despair. Sofia Calltorp emphasized that, “In a country where half the population lives in poverty, education makes a difference. It stands between despair and possibility.” For many Afghan girls, education represents a beacon of hope in an otherwise uncertain future.
The Impact of the NGO Work Ban
The Taliban’s ban on women working for NGOs has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many Afghan women without access to essential services. Since the ban was announced nearly three years ago, more than half of NGOs in Afghanistan have reported challenges in reaching women and girls with life-saving assistance, including healthcare and mental health support.
In July and August 2024, a UN Women survey found that 97% of Afghan women said the ban on female NGO workers had a negative impact on their well-being. The ongoing restrictions severely limit the ability of local organizations to support women, making the situation even more dire.
A Call for Global Action
The findings in this latest report reinforce the importance of continued international support for Afghan women’s rights organizations. These organizations are vital for providing essential services, such as healthcare, mental health support, and education, within the existing constraints. Despite the immense challenges, UN Women calls for increased investment in Afghan women’s community organizations to ensure they continue their critical work in the face of overwhelming adversity.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, it is clear that the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, are in desperate need of international solidarity and support. The global community must continue to advocate for the restoration of Afghan girls’ right to education and stand in support of the country’s civil society, which is striving to bring change.
The ongoing education ban in Afghanistan represents not just a violation of girls’ rights but also a missed opportunity for societal progress. As the people of Afghanistan voice their overwhelming support for girls’ education, the international community must amplify their efforts to ensure that the right to education is restored. Only then can Afghanistan’s young girls hope to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.