UNAMA Again Calls for Lifting the Ban on Girls’ Secondary Education

UNAMA Again Calls for Lifting the Ban on Girls’ Secondary Education

International Women in Science Day is celebrated worldwide to promote and strengthen women’s participation in the field of science.

For this reason, the United Nations has urged the Islamic Emirate to lift the restrictions imposed on girls’ education and women’s employment.

UNAMA, the UN political mission in Afghanistan, described women’s work and education as a critical step for Afghanistan’s long-term development and prosperity, noting that it has been over 1,600 days since girls above the sixth grade have been barred from secondary education.

UNAMA previously stated: “We sadly mark the International Day of Women in Science in Afghanistan. It has been 1,607 days since girls were banned from secondary education. Despite an uncertain future, many opportunities have been lost over more than four years, and women and girls are excluded from key sectors. We call on the government to reverse the decision banning girls from secondary education.”

The Islamic Emirate has not recently responded to the UN’s requests, but earlier it described the restrictions on girls’ education as temporary, to be reviewed at a later time.

Human rights activists, referring to the UN’s appeal, urge the Islamic Emirate to lift the restrictions on girls’ education and provide Afghan women and girls with access to work and education in accordance with Islamic principles.

University professor Aslam Danishmal said: “We have repeatedly emphasized that the Islamic Emirate should open schools and universities to Afghan women and girls within the framework of Islamic principles. This would be a positive step and would improve Afghanistan’s image on the international stage.”

Women’s rights activist Tayba Rastaqi added: “Education is not just a hope or desire; it is a part of a peaceful society. An educated woman can serve her family and community better. I respectfully request the government to provide girls with a safe and dignified educational environment within our Islamic and cultural values.”

The Islamic Emirate imposed restrictions on girls’ secondary education on March 23, 2022, and later on December 20 of the same year, restricted their access to universities.

Even after four years, it remains unclear when these restrictions will end, and Afghan girls will be fully able to pursue education and learning.