Barred From University for One Year, Girls Cope With Depression

Several female students said that education is their fundamental right and that the world should not remain silent in this regard as a year has passed since girls were denied the opportunity to attend universities.

Female students urged the Islamic Emirate to reopen universities for them.

“In the past one year, not only me, but all the girls and students who were denied the opportunity to go to university are suffering from depression and an unclear future,” Huzaifa, a student, told the TOLOnews.

“The international community and the current government should not forget us; We are the future builders of the country. It has been a year that we are not going to university,” Najla, another student told TOLOnews.

Heather Barr, director of the Women’s Rights Division at Human Rights Watch, said:

“There is no other country in the world that has policies like this. Everyone can see regardless of what their religion is, that your country cannot function without women and girls being part of the effort and so what is unfolding in Afghanistan is so tragic and difficult to watch and really has alarming consequences for women’s rights globally,” Heather Barr said.

The Islamic Emirate has not recently commented about the reopening of universities for girls in the country.

“If the current government wants to be in power, it should pay attention to the foundation of the country. Otherwise, the society will go towards illiteracy, and a society against human principles will rise,” said Fazela Sorush, a women’s rights activist.

“Education is the foundation of a country. When girls are not educated, and there is no women doctors, engineers and women activists in the country, then half that country will live in poverty,” said Yalda Sultani, another women’s rights activist.

On December 19, 2022, the Ministry of Higher Education sent a letter directing both public and private universities to cease educating females until further notice.