The recent decision by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to ban women from pursuing education in healthcare has sparked widespread outrage, with prominent Afghan cricketers leading the condemnation. The move, announced earlier this week, prohibits women from enrolling in nursing and midwifery programs, effectively closing one of the few remaining avenues for higher education available to Afghan women.
Rashid Khan, captain of the celebrated Afghan men’s cricket team – a team that has recently brought immense joy to the nation with historic victories against England and Australia – took to social media to express his profound disappointment. He emphasized the critical role of female healthcare professionals in providing crucial care to women and girls, stating, “It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
Echoing Khan’s sentiment, all-rounder Mohammad Nabi added, “This decision does not only harm the future of these girls, but it also harms the whole country and nation. Afghanistan needs educated women as much as it needs educated men. Please reverse this decision and let our girls get an education.” His words underscore the broader societal impact of the ban, highlighting the vital contribution women make to the nation’s development and progress.
The ban comes as a fresh blow to Afghan women, who have already faced severe restrictions on their freedoms and opportunities since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. The women’s cricket team, for instance, was forced to flee the country following the regime change. The current restrictions on women’s education, labeled “gender apartheid” by the United Nations, are particularly devastating, as health professions represented one of the few remaining opportunities for higher education for women. The ban affects approximately 35,000 female students currently enrolled in around 160 public and private health institutes across Afghanistan, offering various diplomas in fields ranging from midwifery to dentistry.
According to sources within the Afghan health ministry, officials have met with directors of educational institutions in Kabul to enforce the new decree. While an official written announcement is yet to be released, the message is clear: women are being systematically excluded from accessing vital educational opportunities. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the escalating restrictions on women’s rights and the devastating consequences for the future of Afghanistan.
