On the occasion of the International Education Day, girls who have been deprived of education in the country are calling to be allowed to return to their classrooms.
This day arrives while girls above grade six have been banned from attending school for more than three years, and female university students are also prohibited from continuing their higher education.
Beheshta, who was a 10th-grade student when the Islamic Emirate regained power, said: “Unfortunately, all schools in Afghanistan are closed. We request the Islamic Emirate reopen schools for girls in the coming year so that we can achieve our dreams.”
Samira, another student, told “The past three years have been heartbreaking for us because we couldn’t reach our goals.”
The European Union has also emphasized that education is essential for Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency.
The EU delegation in Afghanistan stated on X: “Quality education for all, regardless of gender, is essential for the prosperity & self-sufficiency of Afghanistan. The EU stands in solidarity with all Afghans as they strive for their fundamental right to education & a prosperous future.”
Tafsir Siyahposh, a women’s rights activist, told : “We are observing the International Education Day, but unfortunately, school and university doors have been closed to girls for more than three years. We hope the Islamic Emirate government will reconsider and reopen them in the new academic year.”
Rukhsar, another female student, said: “The international community always claims to support Afghan girls, but they have done nothing in practice. We ask them to negotiate with the Islamic Emirate so that our schools can reopen.”
Concerns over the ban on girls’ education persist. Recently Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the deputy foreign minister, also made remarks advocating for the return of girls to schools.