A US-based organization, Data Friendly Space, has reported that 2.2 million girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of schooling since the ban on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade was imposed in March 2022.
The report also stated that if the ban continues until 2030, it could deny more than 4 million girls the right to secondary education.
The report notes: “The education system in Afghanistan is severely strained, with limited public schools and learning spaces, particularly affecting girls’ education. Teachers are often underqualified and lack access to teaching methods and materials. An estimated 3.7 million children are out- of-school in Afghanistan, 60% of them are girls. The ongoing education crisis leaves approximately 2.2 million girls out of school following the ban on education beyond Grade 6 imposed in March 2022.”
Marwa, one of the girls barred from attending school, said: “Our demand is for schools to be reopened because we are facing an uncertain future. If schools reopen, our future will be bright.”
Rehan, another student, said: “We girls are confused about why we are not allowed to go to school. Girls in other countries can go to school—what do we lack compared to them? We ask the Islamic Emirate to open the schools for us so we can study.”
The report further mentions that poverty, migration, and natural disasters have also created barriers to accessing education in the country.
Tafsir Siyahpoush, a women’s rights activist, said: “Wherever women are needed to work, restrictions are increasing. We hope the Islamic Emirate and the international community stand honestly with the people of Afghanistan, especially women.”
Zakiullah Mohammadi, a university lecturer, stated: “This is a fundamental need for the progress and development of Afghanistan. If schools and universities remain closed to our sisters, we will not have a bright future.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has consistently labeled the issue of girls’ education as a domestic matter and has urged countries and international organizations not to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.