With the resurgence of the fundamentalist regime in Afghanistan in 2021, the draconian policies reminiscent of the 1990s have swiftly returned, casting a shadow over the country’s educational landscape.
Girls Barred from Classrooms
As Afghanistan’s school year commences, a stark reality emerges: girls are conspicuously absent from many classrooms. The Taliban’s decree restricts female students from attending classes beyond the sixth grade, rendering Afghanistan the sole nation with formalized constraints on female education.
Impact on Millions
The United Nations children’s agency highlights the staggering repercussions of this ban, estimating that over 1 million girls bear the brunt of educational exclusion. Even before the Taliban’s resurgence, 5 million girls were already deprived of schooling due to infrastructural deficiencies and various socio-economic factors.
Taliban’s Educational Agenda
Inaugurating the new academic term, the Taliban’s education ministry orchestrates a ceremony from which female journalists are notably excluded. Minister Habibullah Agha underscores the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education, emphasizing a blend of religious and modern sciences. Additionally, students are urged to adhere to Islamic and Afghan sartorial norms.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the Taliban’s avowals to expand education, particularly in remote regions, their emphasis on Islamic education over basic literacy draws criticism. The group’s stringent interpretation of Islamic law dictates their stance on girls’ education, echoing policies from their previous rule in the 1990s. Moreover, the ban on female education complicates the Taliban’s quest for international legitimacy, underscoring the hurdles they face on the global stage.
Human Rights Concerns
While boys maintain access to education, the Taliban’s educational policies draw rebuke from NGOs like Human Rights Watch. Criticisms extend beyond the exclusion of girls, highlighting the broader detrimental impact on educational quality and teacher retention. The report sheds light on the erosion of educational standards, marked by regressive curriculum changes and an increase in corporal punishment, further exacerbating the plight of Afghan youth.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Catholic Network
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