In Afghanistan, girls’ education remains stalled under Taliban rule, as the wait for religious approval continues to delay policy decisions, leaving millions of young women without access to schools. The Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, recently confirmed that discussions are ongoing to establish a framework aligned with Islamic principles, but no clear timeline has been set. Now in its fifth year since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, this delay has deepened despair among Afghan families, who long for their daughters to have the opportunity to learn and build brighter futures.
The issue, central to women’s rights, resonates deeply with communities across Afghanistan, where the hope for accessible girls’ education persists amid growing frustration over Taliban rule.
Taliban Rule and the Quest for Religious Approval
The path to restoring girls’ education under Taliban rule depends on securing religious approval that aligns with the group’s strict interpretation of Islamic values. Mujahid emphasised that any policy must ensure compliance with cultural norms, particularly regarding the safety and movement of female students. This requirement has significantly slowed progress, as the Taliban leadership navigates ideological constraints while facing pressure to address public demands for girls’ education.
The focus on religious legitimacy reflects the broader dynamics of Taliban rule, where governance prioritises strict adherence to their ideological framework. The absence of a clear resolution after years of deliberation has raised questions about the Taliban’s commitment to restoring girls’ education, with primary schools open but secondary and higher education largely inaccessible since 2021.
The process of securing religious approval involves navigating complex logistical challenges, such as gender-segregated classrooms, the availability of female teachers, and safe transportation for students. These barriers have prolonged school closures, leaving millions of girls without formal education. The situation has drawn criticism from advocates for women’s rights, who argue that girls’ education is a fundamental right that should not be delayed by bureaucratic or ideological hurdles.
Human Impact of Restricted Girls’ Education
For countless young women, the closure of secondary schools and universities under Taliban rule has shattered aspirations of pursuing careers in fields like medicine, engineering, or teaching. In rural areas, where access to education was already limited, the restrictions have forced many to rely on informal learning or religious schools, severely limiting academic opportunities. In urban centres, parents and students express deep despair as the dream of girls’ education remains out of reach, with the emotional toll weighing heavily on families grappling with uncertainty. The loss of educational access stifles individual potential and hinders Afghanistan’s social and economic progress, as half the population is denied the chance to contribute meaningfully.
The ongoing restrictions have brought the state of women’s rights under Taliban rule into sharp focus. The international community views girls’ education as a cornerstone of gender equality and national development, with advocates arguing that empowering girls through education is vital for breaking cycles of poverty and fostering resilience in a country facing economic instability and humanitarian challenges.
Urgent Need for Girls’ Education Reform
As Afghanistan navigates its fifth year under Taliban rule, the issue of girls’ education remains a pressing concern. Mujahid’s remarks suggest ongoing efforts, but the lack of a definitive timeline for religious approval has fueled scepticism. Families and activists across Afghanistan are calling for urgent action to restore girls’ education, emphasising the need for inclusive policies that prioritise gender equality. The international community continues to press the Taliban to align their policies with global standards for girls’ education and women’s rights. Within Afghanistan, communities remain hopeful that a resolution will emerge, allowing girls to return to classrooms and pursue their dreams.
Education represents not only personal empowerment but also the foundation for a more stable and prosperous Afghanistan, making the need for progress urgent. The prolonged delay in girls’ education under Taliban rule, pending religious approval, casts a shadow over Afghanistan’s future, underscoring the need for swift solutions to restore access and uphold women’s rights.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 17th, 2025
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