Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021, the right of women and girls to access education has been systematically stripped away, marking a stark regression from the progress achieved in the previous two decades. This repression is a direct result of the fundamentalist ideology embraced by the Taliban, which severely limits women’s rights. The implications of these restrictions are not only devastating for Afghan women, but also for the country’s broader social and economic development.

Before the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan had made significant strides in improving access to education for women. By 2020, over 3.5 million girls were enrolled in school, and women were increasingly attending universities and entering professional fields. However, the Taliban’s fundamentalist rule quickly led to the dismantling of these achievements. One of the regime’s first acts was to close secondary schools for girls, effectively ending their education beyond elementary school. By 2022, women were also barred from universities, cutting off their access to higher education entirely.

This prohibition on education is part of a broader effort to curtail women’s participation in public life. The Taliban has also imposed strict dress codes, banned women from most forms of employment, and limited their movement in public spaces. These actions are justified by the Taliban through their fundamentalist interpretation of Islamic law, which seeks to impose strict gender segregation and confine women primarily to the home.

The driving force behind these policies is fundamentalism. The Taliban’s fundamentalist ideology is characterized by the suppression of women’s rights. They view the education of girls as unnecessary and even dangerous, seeing it as a threat to their control over society.

Fundamentalist regimes like the Taliban also rely on deeply entrenched patriarchal structures, where men are seen as protectors and decision-makers, while women are relegated to subordinate roles. Educating women threatens this hierarchy, as educated women are more likely to seek employment, participate in public life, and challenge these restrictive gender roles. As a result, fundamentalists suppress education to maintain their power and control over women.

We fully believe that women and girls must have access to education. This is not only a matter of equality but a basic human right. Education is the minimum that must be provided to every woman and girl, and it is essential for the progress and stability of society as a whole. Women are indispensable to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of any country, including Afghanistan. When women are educated, they contribute to healthier families, more resilient economies, and a more just society. Their participation is not optional—it is essential.

We stand in full support of Afghan women and girls in their fight for education and equal rights. Their voices, talents, and contributions are vital for a prosperous future. We will continue to support them through advocacy, collaboration, and raising awareness to ensure their rights are recognized and respected globally.

The denial of education to women has far-reaching consequences, not only for individuals but for Afghanistan’s future. Education is a fundamental human right, and depriving women of this right perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. Studies have shown that educating girls leads to a range of positive outcomes, from improved family health and lower child mortality rates to stronger economies.

By denying education to half of its population, Afghanistan risks stagnation and continued international isolation. Many countries and global institutions have condemned the Taliban’s regressive policies, with some cutting diplomatic ties and freezing aid. This international rejection of the Taliban’s policies further weakens Afghanistan’s economy and social infrastructure.

The denial of women’s right to education in Afghanistan is unacceptable as the government seeks to control women and confine them to subservient roles in society. While the international community continues to advocate for Afghan women’s rights, the reality on the ground is bleak, with millions of girls deprived of the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to their country. Addressing this issue requires not only diplomatic pressure but a sustained effort to challenge the fundamentalist beliefs that underpin these repressive policies.