The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a statement on Thursday urging the Taliban to reverse its ban on women pursuing medical education, warning that the policy could have a “detrimental impact” on Afghanistan’s already strained healthcare system.
“Over the past several days, Afghan women have once again seen their fundamental right to education severely undermined,” the OIC said. “Recent reports from Kabul indicate that a decree has been issued barring women from studying nursing and midwifery.”
The organization expressed deep concern over the move, describing it as inconsistent with its resolutions and contrary to Islamic principles regarding women’s rights.
“The General Secretariat deplores this new restrictive decree barring women from pursuing medical education,” the OIC said. “Such a decision not only strikes a blow to the basic rights of Afghan women but also risks exacerbating the challenges facing Afghanistan’s healthcare system.”
The OIC noted that it had previously engaged with the Taliban’s de facto authorities in Kabul, expressing hope that its efforts would lead to greater educational access for women and girls.
“The General Secretariat has been optimistic that through its constructive engagement, steps would be taken to lift bans on Afghan women and girls seeking education, in accordance with OIC resolutions and Islamic teachings,” the statement read.
The OIC called on the Taliban to revisit the decision and take steps to restore access to education for women and girls at all levels.
On Monday, Dec. 2, the Taliban imposed a ban on women attending medical institutions, extending its restrictions on female education. The Taliban had previously prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade and banned women from higher education entirely.
