According to reports, the Afghanistan Taliban are preparing to implement the most recent limitation on women’s education: a new ban on women enrolling in nursing and midwifery programs.
Cricket players Rashid Khan and Muhammad Nabi from Afghanistan have voiced their shock at the Taliban’s recent decision to prohibit women from pursuing careers in nursing and midwifery. They emphasised Islam’s commitment on universal education and called the decision “deeply saddening and heartbreaking.” Both cricket players used X to call on the Taliban to change their minds and grant Afghan females the right to an education so they may help advance the country.
According to Rashid Khan, “Islamic teachings place a high value on education, stressing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women.” The Quran affirms the equal spiritual worth of men and women and emphasises the need of education. I consider the recent closures of medical and educational facilities for the Afghan mothers and sisters with great grief and dismay. This choice has had a significant impact on our society as a whole as well as their future. Their social media expressions of grief and anguish serve as a moving reminder of the difficulties they encounter. Afghanistan, our dear country, is at a turning point.
“The nation urgently needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector,” he continued. Because it directly affects women’s healthcare and dignity, the severe lack of female physicians and nurses is especially worrisome. Access to treatment from medical professionals who genuinely understand our mothers’ and sisters’ needs is crucial. In order for Afghan girls to regain their right to an education and support the growth of their country, I humbly ask that this decision be given another look. Giving everyone access to education is not only a social duty but also a moral one that is ingrained in our beliefs and ideals.
According to Mohammad Nabi, the Taliban’s decision to prohibit girls from pursuing medical education is not only tragic but also incredibly unfair. Islam has traditionally placed a strong focus on the value of education for all, and there are numerous inspirational tales of Muslim women who used their knowledge to significantly impact numerous generations. I implore the Taliban to consider these principles. Girls’ aspirations and the future of our country are betrayed when they are denied the opportunity to learn and serve their people. Allow our daughters to pursue their education, develop, and create a better Afghanistan for everybody.
Since the Taliban retook power in 2021 and imposed their stringent version of Islamic law, the ban would represent yet further limitation on women’s access to education.
Taliban’s latest ban
Under a strict interpretation of Islamic law, the Taliban are apparently preparing to implement a new ban on women enrolling in nursing and midwifery courses. This would be the most recent restriction on women’s education since they regained power in 2021. Senior officials at multiple organisations told AFP that the decision was made in response to a directive from the Taliban’s highest leader. Employees at the impacted institutions disclosed that they have been given ten days to conduct final exams prior to the rule’s implementation, despite the Taliban government’s lack of official confirmation of the prohibition.
The revelations sparked grave alarm from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which urged the Taliban to reevaluate their choice. “If implemented, the reported directive poses further restrictions on women and girls’ rights to education and access to healthcare,” asserted UNAMA, adding that the prohibition would be detrimental to Afghanistan’s overall development and healthcare system.
The European Union denounced the action as well, denouncing the Taliban for limiting access to education and disrespecting women’s rights. The EU cited media reports in its statement on Wednesday that Taliban officials have ordered public and private organisations to stop providing medical education for women and girls in Afghanistan.