New Low In Afghanistan: University Entrance Exams Ban Women

In 2021, when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, the population that was most harshly affected was that young girls and women. The Taliban seized not only the country but also women’s rights and freedom, something they had acquired after a decades-long battle. It was recently reported that the educational authorities have now banned women from attempting university entrance examinations. As per the update, only males will be eligible to apply for the exams. 

The Taliban rolled back all rights of women. As women’s conditions in Afghanistan become a global concern of women’s rights and human rights, women in Afghanistan are not giving up without a fight. They’re staging protests and trying their bit to bring back the rights and freedom they once had and deserve.

A group of women have now come out in protest against the Taliban voicing their concern over the ban on female employment and limitations on female students above grade 6.

Afghan Women Protest Taliban Ban

The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights have been having a hugely adverse effect on women. The larger picture is much worse because the ban on female employment is only bringing the country down to poverty. With a lack of employment and the Taliban snatching away their fundamental rights, women have been suffering to a large extent, and the limitations on education for young girls are only adding to the lost cause that the country is becoming.

A group of women showed up in Kabul and held a protest to take back their employment rights and fight for their girls’ education. They showcased their educational documents in protest, asking the authorities to get them their jobs and bring back education for girls alone in 6th grade. “We are calling on the United Nations now along with the international communities to look hard and grasp the situation we are on. We ask them to pay attention and help us regain our rights,” said one of the protesters.

The protestors expressed how the documents and merit they worked hard for stand useless if they can’t put them to use and earn a living through it. On August 15, 2021, the extremist group’s first move after taking control of Afghanistan was taking back the rights of young girls and women with immediate effect. While the women staged protests within the first week of the Taliban taking over, it has been a hard and long battle for them.

As per Human Rights Watch, the Taliban has never been shaken by protests despite repeated pleas. Their response has either led to violence or further restrictions. With the extreme of detaining and torturing journalists, the extremist group has surpassed every bit of cruelty, and there is no remorse. Despite all the repercussions in mind, the women are again trying to make their voices heard.

Suggested reading: A List Of The Many Bans On Afghan Women Under Taliban Rule