July 15, 2022

Afghan girls undergo 300 days of cruelty without education

topic:	Women's rights
located:	Afghanistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

Life without a reason or hope is meaningless; and the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have denied the Afghan girls these rights for more than 300 days now.

The human cost of the girls’ schools closures has been immense, leaving millions in the war-ravaged country waiting for a heavenly miracle to get them out of this bounded life. The misogynist move that cannot be justified in any way whatsoever has not only left Afghan girls demonised, demoralised and hopeless, but it has also left everyone in the society heartbroken.

In their over 300 days of rule, the Taliban has failed to give clear answers and reasons for not letting the girls return to schools. It has become a hallmark of the Taliban’s hardline rule since August last year.

Some insiders say the hardliners in the group are strictly opposed to the reopening of the schools altogether and others say this is applied as a tactic to pressure the international community for recognition of the Taliban rule over Afghanistan. In either case, the most vulnerable segment of the society, women and girls, are paying the ultimate price. And the worst part about this cruel imposition is that it might instate further curbs on the little freedom available for the female students in the universities.

Religious scholars of the Muslim world in particular have a responsibility to reclaim the honour and dignity of their religion by rejecting any perceivable links to banning the girls’ education. In fact, there are countless bright examples of young and smart Muslim girls from around the world making the world a better place for everyone around them. Even within Afghanistan, the past 20 years of relative peace and international engagement produced some of the brightest minds and kindest hearts.

The education ministry officials from the previous government were all Muslim, some of whom still serve under the Taliban, and the syllabi and uniform are in line with the Islamic principles. Hence there are no reasons or excuses left to keep the school door shut for Afghan girls.

Some voices are suggesting and promoting dodgy ways around this ban through internet and underground schools, but that is not the sustainable and dignified way of education. Girls’ education is not a crime and hence should not be done in hiding with a fearful heart and mind.

The world must strongly and openly stand with the Afghan girls for their legitimate fundamental right without any compromise or compulsion.

Photo by Hiroyoshi Urushima

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