KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban’s Ministry of Education held a ceremony today to mark the start of the new academic year, ringing the school bell to signal the return of students.
However, for the fourth consecutive year, girls beyond sixth grade remain barred from attending classes. Women also remain banned from universities.
“This country urgently needs both religious and modern education to compete globally.” said Mawlawi Habibullah Agha, the Taliban’s Minister of Education, during a ceremony.
But the Taliban official made no mention of reopening schools for girls, ignoring the growing outcry from students and activists demanding equal access to education.
Madina, a 16-year-old from Kabul, once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Now, she spends her days at home, watching her younger brothers go to school while she remains behind.
“I hold my books close every morning, hoping one day I can return to my classroom,” she told KabulNow. “Why are we being punished for wanting to learn?”
Zahra, 13, who was forced to stop her education last year, still clings to the hope that schools will reopen.
“When I walk past my old school and see boys entering freely, my heart aches,” she said. “I beg the Taliban—please let us study. We are the future of Afghanistan too.”
Despite repeated calls from the international community and civil society, the Taliban have shown no indication of reversing their decision, leaving millions of Afghan girls trapped in uncertainty and fear.
