Afghan Universities Reopen, But Students Remain Barred From Entering

loading…

Afghan Universities Reopen, But Students Remain Barred From Entering. PHOTOS/Reuters

KABUL – Students are reported to have returned to their classes on Monday (6/3/2023), after Afghanistan University reopened after winter break. However, female students are still barred from entering campus by the Taliban authorities.

The university ban is one of several restrictions imposed on women since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. The policy has sparked global outrage – including across the Muslim world.

“It’s heartbreaking to see boys going to college while we have to stay at home,” said Rahela, 22, from the central province of Ghor, as quoted by Arab News.

“This is gender discrimination against girls because Islam allows us to continue with higher education. Nothing should stop us from learning,” he continued.

The Taliban government imposed the ban after accusing female students of ignoring a strict dress code and the requirement to be accompanied by a male relative to and from campus.

Most universities have introduced gender-segregated entrances and classrooms, allowing women to be taught only by female professors or older men.

“It is very painful to see thousands of girls missing out on education today,” Mohammad Haseeb Habibzadah, a computer science student at Herat university, told AFP.

“We are trying to address this issue by talking to other lecturers and students so there is a way in which boys and girls can learn and progress together,” he continued.