SOCIETY — April 9, 2026
UNAMA Highlights Muslim Woman's Founding of Al-Qarawiyyin University Amid Ban on Afghan Girls' Education
UNAMA highlighted Fatima al-Fihri's founding of Al-Qarawiyyin University in 859 AD to underscore women's historical role in science, contrasting it with the Taliban ban preventing Afghan girls from education beyond sixth grade. The restrictions remain despite international calls to lift them.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Hasht-e Subh — 2 min read
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) stated on Thursday, 20 Hamal, that Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, was founded in 859 AD by Muslim woman Fatima al-Fihri.
UNAMA noted that the university initially operated as a religious school and later became a major scientific center during the golden age of Islamic civilization.
The statement contrasted this historical example with the ongoing deprivation of Afghan girls and women from education beyond the sixth grade under Taliban rule.
UNAMA said the Taliban have banned girls and women from public presence and described their voice and image as 'awrah.'
The United Nations emphasizes that education is a fundamental human right and that depriving girls of it threatens the future of Afghan girls and the country.
International and human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the Taliban to lift educational restrictions on women and girls, but the bans persist.
Read the original reporting at Hasht-e Subh →
Reliability assessment
Single source reports direct, on-record statement from named entity UNAMA with concrete, checkable details (specific date 20 Hamal, university name, founder, location, year); core claim of UNAMA's statement and Afghan girls' educational deprivation is attributable and verifiable.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Hasht-e Subh: "deprived girls and women of the right to education", "banned them from public presence and described their voice and image as 'awrah'", and "prolonged deprivation... threatens not only their future but also the future of the country" mix neutral reporting with advocacy phrasing and emotional framing of restrictions as fundamental rights violations and national threats.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
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Hasht-e Subh
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Society — UNAMA, Taliban, girls education, Fatima al-Fihri, Al-Qarawiyyin University
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