The European Union (EU) has condemned the Taliban’s reported decision to suspend medical education for women and girls in Afghanistan, calling it a severe violation of human rights.
Media reports revealed that the Taliban’s leader had issued an order halting medical courses in both public and private institutions across the country.
The Taliban, however, has neither confirmed the order nor responded to the reports.
Newsweek has reached out to the Afghan Ministry of Education for comment via email.
What Does This Mean for Women’s Access to Education?
This latest development follows a series of increasingly restrictive policies by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021.
Afghan girls attend a religious school in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug 11, 2022. On Wednesday, the EU condemned the Taliban for violating human rights and women’s access to education after media reports that the Taliban’s leader… Afghan girls attend a religious school in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug 11, 2022. On Wednesday, the EU condemned the Taliban for violating human rights and women’s access to education after media reports that the Taliban’s leader has ordered private and public institutions to stop providing medical courses for women. More Ebrahim Norooz
In September of that year, the Taliban banned education for girls beyond grade six, and in December 2022, they extended the ban to women in universities.
Medical education, particularly in fields including nursing and midwifery, had been one of the few remaining opportunities for women to continue their studies.
The suspension of medical education has compounded the restrictions on women’s education in the country.
How Will the Ban Affect Afghanistan’s Medical System?
The BBC and other outlets reported that five institutions across Afghanistan had confirmed the suspension of medical courses for women.
Women training as midwifes and nurses were reportedly ordered not to return to their classes on Wednesday.
These courses had been critical in providing opportunities for women to contribute to Afghanistan’s health sector, particularly in a country with a severe shortage of health care workers.
The suspension is expected to have a long-lasting affect on the health care system’s ability to serve women and children, who already face limited access to medical care.
Afghan women wait to receive cash at a money distribution event organized by the World Food Program in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Nov. 20, 2021. On Wednesday, the EU issued a statement saying,
Taliban Ban on Medical Education for Afghan Women Is Condemned
