In brief
Teenage girls in Afghanistan are barred from school, forcing them into madrassas that offer limited education amid ideological constraints.
The educational landscape for Afghan girls has drastically changed since the Taliban regained power in 2021, with girls over 12 years old banned from attending school for the fourth consecutive year. This has shattered the educational dreams of many, including 15-year-old Amina, who aspired to be a doctor after being inspired by her female surgeon. The ban affects over one million girls, compelling many to turn to madrassas—religious schools that focus on Islamic teachings—as their only option for education.Madrassas are now seen as a necessity for some girls, although the education they offer is under scrutiny. While these institutions may provide a semblance of education, many worry about the indoctrination of extremist content into the curriculum. Amina's brother, Hamid, founded the Al-Hadith madrassa, where limited academic subjects are offered, recognizing the detrimental effects the education ban had on his sister's mental health and future aspirations.Afghanistan is unique in its treatment of female education; it remains the only country with such extreme restrictions. The Taliban initially suggested that the ban on girls' education would be temporary, but no progress has been made. Reports from the Afghanistan Centre for Human Rights indicate that madrassas may be furthering the Taliban's ideological goals, with plans for specific curricula that restrict women's rights and roles.Despite challenges, some madrassas have incorporated subjects beyond religious education, offering courses in science, mathematics, and languages, though attempts to include vocational training for girls have been met with resistance from the authorities. The Shaikh Abdul Qadr Jilani madrassa serves as another example, with over 1,800 female students attending classes organized by ability rather than age, showcasing a mix of academic and religious training despite inadequate facilities.Students at these madrassas express a desire to learn despite the limitations. Hadiya, a recent graduate, teaches others while maintaining her passion for science, indicating a yearning for broader educational opportunities. However, some students and educators alike emphasize that madrassas cannot replace mainstream educational institutions that are crucial for comprehensive knowledge.The international community, including the UN's special rapporteur on human rights, has raised alarms about the implications of the Taliban's restrictive educational policies, warning that the inability to access proper education could foster radicalism, posing threats not just locally but globally. Although the Taliban claims a significant number of students are enrolled in religious education, there has been no significant move to reopen girls' schools.Despite the ongoing challenges, Amina remains optimistic, holding onto her dreams of one day becoming a heart surgeon. She and her peers continue to hope that the Taliban will one day restore educational opportunities for girls and women in Afghanistan.
