Intl. Day Of Education: Some Girls Urge IEA To Reopen Schools, Universities

(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) KABUL (Pajhwok): Coinciding with the International Day of Education, girls above sixth grade and female university students, while emphasizing adherence to Islamic hijab and religious principles, have called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to allow them to return to schools and universities in the coming academic year.

Observed annually on January 24, the International Day of Education highlights the role of education in promoting peace, development and social progress. Proclaimed by the United Nations, the day is led by UNESCO, which underscores education as a human right, a public good, and a shared responsibility.

Following the re-establishment of the IEA, education for girls above sixth grade was suspended nationwide, and later the same year, public and private universities were instructed to halt the education of girls and women until further notice.

However, the IEA officials have repeatedly emphasized that once conditions are made conducive, girls will be allowed to pursue education.

Madina Ahmadi, a resident of Hisa-i-Seh in Khairkhana, Kabul, told Pajhwok Afghan News:“It has been four years since we were deprived of going to school. Four years ago, I was studying in eighth grade and always dreamed of finishing school and taking the Kankor entrance exam.”

Referring to the International Day of Education, she added:“My request from the Islamic Emirate is that, while observing Islamic principles and hijab, they allow us to return to school. We girls also want to play an active and constructive role in society, just like our brothers.”

Meanwhile, Salma, a resident of Deh Mazang in Kabul, said:“Four years ago, when the Islamic Emirate took control, I was a ninth-grade student at Rakhshana High School. If we had not been banned from attending school, I would have graduated by now.”

She expressed concern over being denied access to education and added:“I have a strong interest in continuing my studies and want to work as a teacher in the future. My request from the IEA is to reopen schools for girls above sixth grade as well.”

Similarly, Sara Wahabzada, another Kabul resident, said that about three years ago, when girls were barred from higher education until further notice, she was a fourth-semester student at the Faculty of Languages and Literature at Kabul University.

“All of our male classmates have graduated and now have jobs, but we are still left without a future,” she said.

She urged the IEA to allow girls to return to universities in the new academic year 1405.

Wahabzada added:“We are, thank God, Muslims. Observing Islamic hijab is obligatory for all of us. We want to continue our education while adhering to Islamic hijab and religious principles, and like women in other Islamic countries, progress and be enriched with knowledge.”

On the other hand, Saeedia Masoodzada, a resident of Taimani in Kabul, said:“When girls were banned from educational institutions, I was a second-year student at the Faculty of Economics at Kabul University. Unfortunately, I am still confined to my home, and there is no news about the resumption of our classes.”

Referring to the International Day of Education, she said:“On this day, we ask the leader of the Islamic Emirate to allow us to return to universities next year. We are Muslims, and even during the previous government, we attended classes while observing hijab. We remain committed to Islamic hijab today as well.”

Meanwhile, experts have also emphasized the need to reopen schools above sixth grade and universities for girls.

Sanaullah Salehi, an education expert, expressed similar views, saying:“When a girl becomes educated, the future of the family and society becomes brighter. An educated woman can raise educated and aware children. If women remain uneducated, society will fall behind.”

He said religious scholars and community elders should engage with IEA officials to find an appropriate and Islamic solution for girls' education.

“My final request from the Islamic Emirate is that, with good intentions and within the framework of Sharia, the doors of schools and universities be reopened to girls,” Salehi said.“Knowledge is a source of strength and dignity for Muslims, while illiteracy leads to weakness and poverty.”

Tafsir Siahposh, an expert in religious affairs and women's rights, said Islam considers the pursuit of knowledge an obligation. Quoting a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, he said:“Seek knowledge from cradle to grave,” adding that education is essential in Islam.

He also called on the IEA to reopen schools and universities for girls next year.

Pajhwok tried to obtain comments from officials on the matter but was unsuccessful.

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