September 17 marks four years since the Taliban imposed a ban on secondary education for girls in Afghanistan, a restriction that has had devastating social, economic, and human rights consequences. The ban abruptly halts the educational journey of girls aged 12 and above, undermining their dreams, silencing their voices, and limiting their potential. Without access to education, Afghan girls face increased risks of early marriage, diminished career opportunities, and restricted capacity to shape their futures.
For Afghan society, the ban represents a direct attack on human rights and a major setback to the country’s development. By denying girls the right to learn, the Taliban reinforce cycles of inequality, poverty, and entrenched oppression, depriving Afghan communities of the tools needed to build a healthier and more equitable society.
The international community has largely failed to act decisively to protect education for Afghan girls, sending a troubling signal that their rights and futures are not a global priority. Many Afghan girls express confusion and frustration, questioning whether world leaders would tolerate such restrictions on their own daughters and why stronger measures are not being taken. This silence enables oppression and normalizes systemic inequality.
Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and the Taliban’s denial of it demands consistent advocacy and international pressure. Support for Afghan women teachers and the underground schools that continue to operate is crucial, alongside active engagement from governments and multilateral institutions to highlight and challenge the ban.
One concrete measure being advocated is the recognition of gender-based oppression in Afghanistan as an international crime of gender apartheid. Afghan women and girls have waited far too long for justice, and the international community must urgently stand with them to safeguard their right to education and a fair future.
