The issue of girls’ education in Afghanistan has been a sensitive and important topic in recent years. Since the Taliban came to power, severe restrictions have been imposed on girls’ education, prompting widespread reactions both inside and outside the country. The Taliban cite cultural and religious issues as reasons for this ban, but these decisions will have profound social and psychological impacts on society, especially on the girls deprived of education.
In this discussion, we will explore these topics with SuryaBawar, a PhD student at Allameh Tabataba’i University: the Taliban’s reasons for banning girls’ education, the social and psychological impacts of these restrictions, the role of the international community and media in changing the current situation, and whether these decisions reflect the general view of the Afghan people. We will also look at strategies and programs that could be effective in improving the situation of girls’ education and reducing the negative effects of these bans. The goal of this discussion is to gain a deeper understanding of the current situation and explore possible solutions to support girls’ education in Afghanistan.
Mawj: What reasons do the Taliban give for banning and depriving girls of education in Afghanistan?
Surya Bawar: The Taliban present reasons for banning girls’ education, including a specific interpretation of Sharia law and concerns about the spread of foreign culture and values. They also cite the lack of full hijab, the mixing of men and women, and the presence of women in inappropriate fields as reasons mentioned by the Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education.
Mawj: What will be the social impacts of this deprivation?
Surya Bawar: In the long term, this deprivation will lead to an increase in ignorance and illiteracy, superstitions, and crimes. In the short term, it will result in migration, loss of motivation for learning, increased poverty and unemployment, early marriages, and a humanitarian crisis.
Mawj: What are the psychological impacts of these restrictions on girls deprived of education?
Surya Bawar: These restrictions lead to increased sadness and depression, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, hopelessness, lack of self-confidence, and depression among girls.
Mawj: What do you expect from the international community to improve the situation of girls’ education?
Surya Bawar: The international community should negotiate with the Taliban and should force them to change their policies through sanctions and pressure. The international community should also recognize gender apartheid in Afghanistan and consider girls’ right to education a “red line.”
Mawj: Can this decision made by the Taliban reflect the general view of the Afghan people?
Surya Bawar: Although Afghan society is highly patriarchal and traditional, over the past 20 years, public attitudes in big cities and towns have changed regarding girls’ right to education. Many families oppose this decision and, if possible, migrate abroad for their daughters’ education.
Mawj: How effective can the media be in lifting this restriction?
Surya Bawar: The media can play a significant role in enlightening public opinion and raising awareness. They can change false social beliefs and present the true picture of society under Taliban control.
Mawj: What impact will the deprivation of girls from education have on Afghanistan’s future economy?
Surya Bawar: This deprivation will lead to a decrease in the workforce, reduced national production and income, and increased poverty and unemployment. Additionally, girls will be deprived of important and well-paying job opportunities, and the process of development and modernization of the country will be destroyed.
Mawj: What roles can civil institutions and non-governmental organizations play in supporting girls’ education?
Surya Bawar: Civil institutions and non-governmental organizations can emphasize modern education in Afghanistan and advocate globally to apply pressure on decision-making governments.
Mawj: Can international sanctions force the Taliban to change their educational policies? If so, how?
Surya Bawar: The policy of non-engagement, non-recognition of the Taliban, and economic sanctions can exert long-term pressure on the Taliban to change their policies.
Mawj: What roles can families and local communities play in supporting girls’ education?
Surya Bawar: Families and local communities can act as influential groups and demand their legitimate rights from the Taliban and the international community. The resistance of families and local ethnic and religious leaders can provide significant support for girls deprived of education.
Mawj: How can technology and online education be used to help girls deprived of education in remote areas?
Surya Bawar: Given the current conditions, the use of technology and online education can provide an educational platform for girls deprived of schooling.
Mawj: Can international sanctions force the Taliban to change their educational policies? If so, how?
Surya Bawar: The policy of non-engagement, non-recognition of the Taliban, and economic sanctions can exert long-term pressure on the Taliban to change their policies.
Mawj: What roles can families and local communities play in supporting girls’ education?
Surya Bawar: Families and local communities can act as influential groups and demand their legitimate rights from the Taliban and the international community. The resistance of families and local ethnic and religious leaders can provide significant support for girls deprived of education.
