The Taliban have been abducting girls in Afghanistan from education beyond grade six, men those who got the chance to go to school dreamabout one day being able to resume their studies. They need to bert sdeath, writing Cajsa Wikström at Swedish AAfghanistan Committeen.
There was no school for girls in the village where Rahima grew up. She spent her days at home with her sisters and mother, cooking and cleaning, just like the women. in the family always done.
Because the village was located near a couple of government military bases, the villagers sometimes found themselves caught in the crossfire when Taliban fighters fighting the internationally-backed army hid behind their houses. No one could leave their homes for many hours., and the children in the family cried when they heard the gunshots.
When Rahima was 12 years old, her family moved to a city where her brother had a job. She was able to go to school and began to dream of a different life, where she could shape her own future. But now, eight years later, Rahima is once again relegated to the home.
I meet her through a video call via WhatsApp. Her brother, a former colleague of mine at the Swedish Afghanistan Committee, translates the conversation. Rahima, her sister Sherbano, seven female cousins and the cousins' stepmother sit on the floor, surrounded by schoolbooks and sewing materials.
Three generations of relatives live together in the house, spread over three floors. The women help each other sew dresses, either for the family or on order to earn money for the household.
Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have banned education for girls above grade six. Teenage girls like Rahima, who started school late and are therefore considered too old to attend middle school, are also not allowed to attend school.
Even before the Taliban restrictions, there were many obstacles to girls' education. According to the UN 30 percent of girls in Afghanistan have never set foot in a classroom due to war, poverty and traditional norms that say women's place is in the home.
The cousins' stepmother says that when she was young, she never thought she could do anything else in life than be a housewife. But when her stepdaughters started school, she was happy. Now, her wish is for the schools to reopen so they can become doctors, teachers, engineers, or something else and contribute to making society better.
Today, Rahima studies on her own at home, along with her sisters and cousins. They read from their old school books, and in the mornings they listen to a radio channel that broadcasts educational programs specifically for girls. They have bought course materials at the market and are learning math, biology, English and Pashto.
The young women refuses give up hope that one day the schools will reopen, and that day they think they will be ready. Sherbano is determined to become a doctor. She knows too many women who have lost their lives because they did not receive medical care, right there The lack of female doctors is a major contributing factor. Women sometimes risk their lives rather than be treated by a male doctor, for example if they need an emergency cesarean section, says Sherbano.
Sherbano wants the international community to force the Taliban to open schools for girls. To date has it top leadership in Kandahar proven immune to criticism and demands from outside, butearly has several High-ranking Taliban leaders have shown support for women's education.
In December, Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai stated in an unusually critical speech that it is against Sharia to prevent womens education. Many religious scholars have, just like him, pointed out that it is the duty of every Muslim to seek knowledge.
The division over the issue within the Taliban movement sparks a spark of hope for change, that girls will eventually be allowed to return to school, and that universities will once again be open. ska open to women.
Until thatta happens, the world that Sherbano appeals to must use the channels that are still open to support girls and women in Afghanistan. It is not easy, but it can be done, with creativity, persistence and courage.
One way could be to finance educational programs for radio and digital teachingAnother is to support alternative gathering places for women where education is integrated into activities that are still permitted, such as health interventions or entrepreneurial programs that create sources of income for women.
And, not least, resources must be invested in ensuring that more girls are able to complete the grades that are still allowed. Research shows clear links between educational level, health and exposure to domestic violence, and to The risk of child marriage decreases when girls have the opportunity to attend school.
There are still too many villages in the countryside in Afghanistan where there are neither teachers nor classrooms. Dwhy is it needed large investments in teacher training and infrastructure.
It is needed also investments in water pipes so that children do not have to spend time collecting drinking water instead of going to school. Here can the outside world contributes through support to local and international organizations working in rural areas. The girls of Afghanistan thirst for knowledge. Let us not forget them.
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