A Dark Turn for Education in Afghanistan

In a startling move, the Taliban has taken a decisive step against women's contributions to academia in Afghanistan, implementing a ban that removes books written by women from the university curriculum. This shocking decree also extends to outlawing crucial subjects like human rights and sexual harassment.

140 Titles Targeted Amidst a Broader Ban

Among the 680 titles deemed 'problematic' for their 'anti-Sharia content,' approximately 140 books authored by women were targeted. These included essential texts such as "Safety in the Chemical Laboratory." In an unsettling twist, universities were informed they could no longer teach 18 subjects that conflict with Taliban policies, indicating a dark regression in educational standards.

Women Bearing the Brunt of Restrictions

This ban is merely the latest in a series of severe restrictions that have unfolded since the Taliban's resurgence four years ago. Women and girls, especially, have been hit hard, facing barriers to education beyond the sixth grade. Alarmingly, crucial training opportunities like midwifery courses are set to be shuttered by late 2024.

Silencing Women's Voices