The International Day of Education in 2023 was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for girls’ and women’s education rights in Afghanistan. UNESCO dedicated the day to highlighting the plight of Afghan girls and women who have been denied access to secondary and higher education.

The Taliban’s decision to ban girls from attending secondary school in March 2022 marked a severe setback for women’s rights in Afghanistan. This discriminatory policy not only deprived girls of their fundamental right to education but also had far-reaching implications for the country’s social and economic development.

UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, issued a strong condemnation of this decision, emphasizing that education is a universal human right that should not be denied based on gender. She called upon the international community to take immediate action to restore the rights of Afghan girls and women and end the war against women.

The closure of schools for girls has had a devastating impact on their lives and the future of Afghanistan. Education is essential for women’s empowerment, economic participation, and overall well-being. Denying girls access to education perpetuates gender inequality, limits their opportunities, and hampers the country’s progress.

The international community has a responsibility to advocate for the rights of Afghan girls and women and to support efforts to restore their access to education. This includes providing financial assistance, technical support, and diplomatic pressure to ensure that the Taliban’s discriminatory policies are reversed.

The fight for Afghan girls’ education is a global struggle. It is a reminder of the importance of education as a fundamental human right and the need to challenge discriminatory practices that perpetuate gender inequality. By uniting in support of Afghan girls and women, the international community can help to create a more just and equitable world.