Without education for girls, Afghanistan loses its chance for a better tomorrow

August 23, 2026

A young Afghan woman recounts her journey pursuing education despite escalating restrictions following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. With her father's unwavering support, she initially persevered through war and conflict to continue her studies, even relocating cities and enrolling in a midwifery program when other options were closed. However, the Taliban eventually banned girls from all educational institutions, shutting down even these limited opportunities.

Who is affected

Afghan girls and young women who have been banned from educational institutions
The author (S. Haidari) and her sister
The author's father who supported their education
Afghan society as a whole, which faces long-term consequences from denying education to half its population
The author's peers who share similar circumstances

What action is being taken

The author continues searching for ways to pursue education despite the ban
Afghan girls are fighting for their rights (though specific current actions are not detailed)
The author remains steadfast in believing in her dreams and standing firm against obstacles

Why it matters

This matters because the denial of education to Afghan girls represents a violation of fundamental human rights that affects not only individual futures but the development potential of an entire society. The systematic exclusion of half the population from education undermines Afghanistan's ability to build a prosperous future, perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, and represents a humanitarian crisis that requires international attention. The author's testimony highlights how the international community's silence enables these violations to continue unchecked.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices