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Education and Skill Training Taliban bans women from pursuing nursing and midwifery education in Afghanistan
Taliban bans women from pursuing nursing and midwifery education in Afghanistan
In a major setback for women’s rights in Afghanistan ever since the Taliban regained power in 2021, female students have been reportedly banned from pursuing nursing and midwifery courses in the country. Noted cricketers from Afghanistan Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have strongly condemned the move.
As per international media reports, five institutions across Afghanistan said the Taliban had instructed them to close until further notice, and women training as midwives and nurses were ordered not to return to classes Wednesday.
This decision was reportedly conveyed in a meeting held on Monday in Kabul between health officials and directors of educational institutes. The decision stems from a directive issued by the Taliban’s supreme leader as per reports. However, the Taliban have neither confirmed the order nor responded to the media reports about the same.
“There is no official letter, but directors were informed during the meeting that women and girls cannot study in these institutes anymore. No reasons were provided—only the leader’s directive and instructions for enforcement,” a public health ministry official who did not wish to be named, told AFP.
In September 2021, a month after reassuming power in Afghanistan, the Taliban had stopped schooling for girls after grade six. They banned women from pursuing higher education universities in December 2022. Medical education, like nursing and midwifery, was one of the few avenues open for women to continue learning in classrooms.
European Union condemns move
The European Union on Thursday condemned the Taliban for violating human rights and women’s access to education and urged the Taliban to reverse the policy. The European Union expressed strong concerns over this decision and its far-reaching implication, including the deepening of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the exacerbation of the suffering of its people, as per a statement.
Cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi react
Noted cricketers from Afghanistan Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have reacted strongly against the alleged ban on women pursuing courses in nursing and midwifery.
Taking to Instagram stories and X, cricketer Rashid Khan wrote, “Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders.
It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face.
Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture. The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs.
I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
