Afghan Girls Who Migrated Abroad Still Await Reopening of Schools

Some Afghan girls who left the country for Iran and Pakistan after the ban on female education say they continue to wait for schools and universities to reopen in Afghanistan, despite access to education in host countries.

The girls urge the international community to hold the Taliban accountable for restrictive policies on girls' education. Sara, a migrant student, said: "Despite the lack of educational conditions in my country, I decided to leave my country to build a better future for myself. This decision was not easy and I faced many challenges including culture and language. However, I was able to successfully complete one year of my studies. I hope that universities and schools will open to girls at the earliest opportunity so that they can build a better future."

Women's rights activists describe the deprivation of girls' education as a violation of fundamental human rights. Soria Haidari, a member of the Women's Unity and Solidarity Movement, said: "When a woman is deprived of the right to education, her future is destroyed. Education is not only an individual right, but the basis of independence, awareness, and human dignity. The Taliban, along with restricting women's work, have deprived them of the most basic tools of survival."

Despite domestic and international pressure, the Taliban have provided no specific timeline or clear response on reopening schools and universities for girls.

Global organizations have warned of serious psychological and social consequences from depriving Afghan girls of education. According to a UNICEF report, more than 2.2 million adolescent girls remain out of school as the ban approaches its fifth year.