Women in Afghanistan. Photo: EPA/UPG.
The Taliban continues to escalate its discriminatory policy against women: on Tuesday, it announced a complete ban on the education of girls and women in medical institutions in Afghanistan. This decision was made by Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzadeh, effectively depriving the entire female population of the country of access to quality medical care. This was reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing Israelinfo.
Catastrophic consequences for medicine
The deputy minister of health informed the management of medical institutions that from that day on, female students would not be allowed to attend classes. Despite warnings from medical professionals about the critical state of the sector, the Taliban representatives ignored all arguments and left the meeting without discussion.
According to Al-Arabiya, medical institutes in Afghanistan have received internal letters informing them of the immediate suspension of female students. The letters state that they should wait for further instructions. Ministry of Health officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted that the decision was made personally by the Taliban leader in Kandahar and came as a surprise even to government officials.
The only chance for women to get an education is closed
Previously, after the closure of universities for women in December 2022, many Afghan women chose medical schools as an alternative. But now this path is no longer available.
The consequences of such a decision would be catastrophic. Afghanistan is already facing a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, especially female doctors, nurses and midwives, who are critical to serving the female population. Experts warn that the ban will further weaken the healthcare system, which is already on the verge of collapse.
International community condemns Taliban policy
The decision sparked a flurry of criticism from international human rights organisations. They called on the international community to take action to put pressure on the Taliban to reverse this discriminatory policy. The restrictions imposed on women’s education and rights threaten not only their future but also the stability of the country as a whole.
The ban on women’s education in medical institutions is another blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan. This policy not only exacerbates gender inequality, but also poses a real threat to the lives of millions of Afghan women by denying them access to basic healthcare. The international community must join forces to protect the rights and freedoms of women in this country.
