Girls in Afghanistan turn to religious schools

Published: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 5:35 am

Afghan Girls Turn to Religious Schools Amid Education Ban

KABUL, Afghanistan - With secondary schools and universities closed to girls, many Afghan women and girls are turning to religious schools, or madrassas, for education. This shift comes as the Taliban government continues to restrict women's access to education, a policy that has drawn international condemnation.

The ban on girls' education beyond primary school, in place for three years, has left many young women with limited options. For girls like Nahideh, who dreams of becoming a doctor, the reality is stark. She will soon enroll in a madrassa to study the Quran and Islamic teachings.

Madrassas, which were already attended by many before the ban, have seen a significant increase in enrollment. The Tasnim Nasrat Islamic Sciences Educational Center in Kabul, for example, has a student body of approximately 400, with 90% being female. Students study the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic.

While some, like 25-year-old Faiza, embrace the opportunity to deepen their religious knowledge, others still harbor aspirations for secular education. Faiza hopes that by demonstrating her devotion to Islam, she may eventually be allowed to pursue her medical studies, one of the few professions still open to women.

The issue of women's education has sparked debate, even within the Taliban. Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Abbas Stanikzai publicly questioned the ban, though his remarks reportedly led to his departure from the country. The long-term consequences of the ban are dire, with UNICEF estimating that over four million girls will be deprived of education beyond primary school by 2030.

Mullah Mohammed Jan Mukhtar, who runs a boys' madrassa, believes that religious education is foundational for all other sciences. He also emphasizes the importance of religious education for women, stating that it helps them understand their rights and responsibilities within their families.

BNN's Perspective:

The situation in Afghanistan highlights the complex interplay between religious beliefs, cultural norms, and human rights. While the desire for religious education is understandable, the denial of broader educational opportunities for girls and women is a significant setback for the country's future. Finding a balance that respects religious values while ensuring access to education for all is crucial for Afghanistan's progress.

Keywords: Afghanistan, Taliban, education, girls, women, madrassa, Quran, Islamic, ban, religious schools, Kabul, UNICEF, secondary school, university, Islam, rights, society

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