Former President Hamid Karzai on Saturday reiterated his call for the reopening of educational institutions for girls and women in Afghanistan, describing education as their “fundamental right.”
In a statement shared on X, Karzai expressed solidarity with the millions of Afghan girls and women who have been denied access to education under Taliban rule. “Afghanistan will never have a bright future without educating girls,” Karzai said, voicing his approval of their demands for educational access.
Karzai underscored the critical role of education in Afghanistan’s future, calling the demands of Afghan women and girls “their rightful voice for a prosperous Afghanistan.” He emphasized that empowering the country’s youth—both girls and boys—is essential for creating a self-reliant society and overcoming widespread poverty.
The former president described the education of girls as “vital” for Afghanistan’s development and progress.
Taliban’s Ban on Girls’ Education
Since taking power in August 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on education for girls and women, closing schools above the sixth grade and barring women from universities. Most recently, they banned female students from pursuing medical education, eliminating one of the last remaining avenues for women in higher education.
International human rights organizations have condemned these policies, labeling them “misogynistic” and a form of “gender apartheid.”
Karzai’s remarks add to growing domestic and international calls for the Taliban to reverse their restrictions and ensure equal access to education for all Afghans.
