Four years into the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, the government has imposed severe restrictions on women’s basic rights. Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has closed middle schools, high schools, and universities to girls. A new order has been issued, banning the education of girls and women in religious schools, also known as madrasas.
According to reports, the Taliban leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, recently issued this order. Sources indicate that during a cabinet meeting in Kandahar, Akhundzada instructed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to gradually close religious schools to women. The initial step will be to stop issuing graduation certificates to them.
Akhundzada’s decision is reportedly based on the discovery that many religious schools were teaching not only Islamic studies but also subjects like mathematics, science, and languages. This order has led to heated debate within the Taliban cabinet, with some ministers expressing discontent and stating their hope to reopen girls’ schools this year.
Several ministers presented verses from the Quran and Hadith that emphasize the importance of education for both boys and girls. However, Hibatullah reiterated his argument, questioning why a young girl should study outside the home. He had used the same logic when universities were closed to girls.
The debate grew so intense that some Taliban leaders directly criticized their leader, claiming that this approach would create anger and discord within the Taliban and invite further international criticism. Many suspect that Akhundzada is intentionally weakening the government under a foreign agenda.
The Taliban captured Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, after the withdrawal of US forces, ending a 20-year war. Upon coming to power, they implemented their strict interpretation of Sharia law, which imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including the closure of schools after the sixth grade, the near-elimination of job opportunities, and restrictions on going outside the home. The United Nations, human rights organizations, and many countries have consistently condemned the Taliban’s actions, but there has been no improvement in the situation so far.