The Taliban government in Afghanistan has imposed new restrictions on women's education, extending the ban to educational programs broadcast on local radio and television stations. This decision, issued by the Taliban's Ministry of Education, further limits educational opportunities for women and girls in the country. Since taking control in August 2021, the Taliban has suspended education for girls above the sixth grade. The recent ban affects secondary and university-level educational programs that were being broadcast on local media, which had gained popularity as an alternative means of education. According to a UNESCO report, over 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary education under Taliban rule.

The report also states that there has been a decrease of 1.1 million in primary school enrollment for both boys and girls. Media representatives in Khost province reported that this move not only extinguishes the last hope for girls' education but also eliminates a significant source of income for media outlets. Previously, the Taliban had also prohibited women and girls in Khost province from watching media channels on their phones. The UNESCO report highlights that approximately 2.5 million girls, representing 80% of the female school-age population in Afghanistan, are currently out of school due to Taliban policies. These restrictions continue to raise concerns about the future of women's rights and education in Afghanistan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan