The US Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, Rina Amiri, has urged the Taliban to prioritize Afghanistan and its people over their ideological beliefs.
In response to the Taliban’s decision to exclude women from participating in the university entrance exams, Amiri stated in a tweet on Wednesday, “Stand with Afghan girls’ demand to be allowed to take university exams. Their success will be Afghanistan’s success, leading to food on the table, an improved economy & future.”
“The Taliban should put the country and people before their ideology,” Amiri added.
On Tuesday, the National Examination Authority (NEA) under Taliban control announced that only male students would be allowed to take part in this year’s university entrance exam. according to NEA, the decision was mandated by the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education.
The university entrance exam, commonly known as the Kankor Exam, is a nationwide examination taken by over 200,000 applicants every year.
The Taliban’s ban on women and girls attending universities, imposed in December 2022, has significantly impacted millions of girls and women in Afghanistan.
