Three Years of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan: The Struggle and Resilience of Women and Education
August 15, 2024 – As we mark three years since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the situation for women and girls in the country remains dire. The Taliban’s oppressive policies have exacerbated gender apartheid, severely restricted educational opportunities, and driven many to find clandestine ways to pursue learning and empowerment. Yet, amid these challenges, organizations like Sahar Education are making significant strides, offering a glimmer of hope and a path forward for Afghan women and girls.
Women and Girls’ Education: Courage and Resilience in the Face of Injustice
Historically, women have long borne the brunt of social, political and economic instabilities, with very little to no control over the situation. However, to be “officially” banned from a right as basic as getting an education might be unfamiliar to many. Afghanistan is the only country in the world where women are banned from getting an education, for the second time now. What is known of Afghan women are mostly from the post 9/11 narratives, none of which fully represent the gains and the losses that Afghan women have had to go through. From being able to vote in 1919, to gaining the right to equal political and social participation in the 1960s, to a total loss of right to education, employment, and participation in the social and political spheres as a result of the political unrests in the 80s and 90s.
Sahar: Finding Innovative ways to Educate Girls in Afghanistan, Despite the Risks
Education is pivotal in promoting gender equality, and Sahar is committed to preventing and combating gender discrimination by supporting girls’ and women’s education in Afghanistan. Education is a fundamental human right; however, it is well known that since the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, education has once again been taken away from millions of Afghan girls. Currently, formal education is banned for girls above 6th grade in Afghanistan. As an organization expanding access to girls’ Education in Afghanistan for 20 years, we at Sahar are deeply saddened and enraged by the decision. We use strategies to redirect our rage and sadness towards strengthening our efforts of providing girls’ access to quality education.