Taliban Bans Girls over 10 from Primary Education in Afghanistan
Girls over the age of 10 have been banned from attending primary school classes in certain provinces of Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to impose restrictions against female education. The Ministry of Education, under Taliban rule, informed school principals in Ghazni province that girls over the age of 10 are no longer permitted to study in primary schools.
According to BBC Persian, a sixth-grade student, who was allowed to receive an education last year, revealed that girls over the age of 10 are now prohibited from entering the school. In some provinces, local authorities from the Ministry for Preaching and Guidance have segregated girls based on age. The report states that these officials have instructed principals of girls’ schools to send female students above the third grade home.
This latest ban follows the Taliban’s decision in September 2021 to prohibit girls from secondary education, restricting high schools to only accommodate boys. Additionally, last December, the Taliban banned college and university attendance for women, effectively imposing an indefinite ban on higher education for thousands.
The United Nations criticized the Taliban last month for intensifying restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan in recent months, particularly in areas such as education and employment. The Taliban regime has imposed severe limitations on women’s participation in public life and work, including completely barring girls from studying beyond the sixth grade and preventing Afghan women from working in both local and non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, this ban has extended to employees of the United Nations since April.
It is crucial to present a balanced view of this issue by including various perspectives and opinions. The widespread restrictions imposed by the Taliban have received significant international criticism. Concerns regarding the denial of education and opportunities for girls and women have sparked calls for action to protect their rights and ensure equal access to education.
Amid ongoing international scrutiny, the Taliban’s bans on girls’ education beyond primary school continue to raise concerns about the future of education in Afghanistan. The denial of educational opportunities to girls over the age of 10 reinforces the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard the rights of Afghan girls and promote inclusive and accessible education for all.
