Afghan women weep after being barred from medical education

Afghan women pursuing medical education were left devastated after learning they are now barred from studying nursing and midwifery, the only fields previously open to them following a blanket ban on female education above six grade in Afghanistan.

Videos circulating on social media showed female students, clad in attire mandated by the Afghan Taliban government, weeping and consoling each other over being denied the fundamental right to education.

As per reports, at least 17,000 women enrolled in medical institutions will be affected by this decision.

Experts warned of dire consequences for women’s healthcare in Afghanistan, a country already grappling with one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates.

According to WHO, 620 women die for every 100,000 births in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Taliban have reportedly ordered the closure of several institutions offering nursing and midwifery programs for women.

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It has been confirmed. Last nail in the coffin for the women in Afghanistan.

Video: Female students of a medical institute crying while the announcement is being made that they are banned from attending their classes untill further notice. https://t.co/Vd5Ec4sLim pic.twitter.com/rxWbtuNWoe

— Qalandar (@shamali_wal) December 3, 2024

Since the Taliban assumed the reins of power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces in August, 2021, the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions for women's rights. 

The Taliban government imposed a ban on the education of girls above six-grade while women are also barred from attending universities or participating in sports.

In October, Afghan women were barred from hearing each other while praying or reciting the Quran in both public and private spaces. According to human rights organisations, the move could lead to a complete ban on women even speaking to one another.

The Taliban administration had already imposed a ban in August on women speaking, reading, or singing aloud in public spaces; now, these restrictions have extended into private settings.