Ban on Girls’ Education in Medical Institutions; At Least 40,000 Female Students Deprived of Education

Bayan News – France-Presse, citing sources from the caretaker government’s Ministry of Health, reported that after the closure of medical institutions in Afghanistan, at least 40,000 female students have been deprived of their education.

The report, published on the evening of Monday, December 9, states that these students were enrolled in 10 public and 150 private medical institutions.

According to sources in the Ministry of Public Health, 35,000 women were studying fields such as nursing, midwifery, dentistry, and laboratory sciences at these institutions.

The report quotes female students who expressed despair and fear over the caretaker government’s decision to ban their education in medical institutions, leaving them hopeless.

One student told France-Presse: “This was my last hope to do something and become someone. But everything has been taken away from us simply because we are girls.”

She added that she had turned to medical sciences education in one of the institutions with immense hope for building her future.

Meanwhile, officials from some medical institutions stated that they would continue their activities until they receive an official written directive, including conducting exams for female students.

One of the officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the institution was not supposed to close during the winter term, but exams are now being conducted for female students who have completed their studies. “We have received numerous messages from students and teachers asking if there is any hope. No one is truly happy.”

The caretaker government has recently ordered educational institutions to stop admitting women. However, the lack of an official declaration or documented instructions has caused widespread confusion.

UN Report: Over 21 Million Women and Girls in Afghanistan Deprived of Their Fundamental Rights