Education

UN calls on Afghan women to advocate for right to education

Kabul, Jan 24 (EFE).- The United Nations envoy for Afghanistan urged Afghan women on Wednesday to persist in their struggle for the right to education despite the Taliban’s opposition.

“The ongoing denial of education for girls and women is not sustainable. With each day passing, the foundation for a prosperous and equitable society is weakened,” Roza Otunbayeva said in a video released by the UN’s Afghan agency on X.

Otunbayeva made the statement on the occasion of International Education Day and emphasized the importance of education for everyone in Afghanistan, regardless of gender.

“In Afghanistan, education for all, both boys and girls, women and men, is more than a fundamental right. It is the foundation for the future of Afghanistan.”

The UN envoy called on Afghan women to continue demanding their rights despite the Taliban’s restrictions, which have included a ban on female higher education after assuming power in August 2021.

“Please know that you are not alone, the United Nations stands with you in solidarity … and to advocate for your future,” she said.

Despite the UN’s call, rights activists criticized the lack of pressure on the Taliban by the international organization.

“It’s only like a formality. For more than two years, the international community and UNAMA have not taken any action,” Nahid Noori, a women’s rights activist, told EFE.

Higher education has been inaccessible to Afghan female students for 890 days, despite promises by the Taliban to resume classes.

The Islamists have imposed a series of restrictions on Afghan women, reminiscent of their rule between 1996 and 2001.

According to the UN, Afghan women are the only women in the world banned from accessing secondary and higher education. EFE

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