Veiled Future: What awaits girls and women who want education and their place in the sun

The replacement of the democratically elected government with a faith-led autocracy, in Afghanistan has been met with shock and awe. Mainstream media conversations have raised the possibility of the return to the dark days of the 20th century, when girls were denied access to education. 

The reality is likely to be an expansion of what has been happening in the provinces, during the past decade, where the Taliban has been de facto control. In these places, the official educators, administrators and providers, have negotiated on ground compromises. What this has meant, is the giving up, of final decision-making power, in key areas, recruitment, and curriculum. In turn, the Taliban have provided support in on-ground monitoring of teachers, assuring lowering of absenteeism. And when faced with determination, they have shown to have been willing to compromise. So co-education has been allowed to continue, albeit with a curtain separating girls and boys. It is this restricted future that awaits children going forward. 

Further Readings

1. Allen, John R and Felbab-Brown, Vanda (2020) The Fate of Women's Rights in Afghanistan https://www.brookings.edu/essay/the-fate-of-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/

2. Afghanistan Study Group (2021) Afghanistan Study Group Final Report https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/afghanistan_study_group_final_report_a_pathway_for_peace_in_afghanistan.pdf

3. Rubin, Barnett and Rudeforth, Clancy (2016) Enhancing Access to Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Afghanistan https://cic.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/enhancing_access_education_may23_final.pdf