Women and girls in Afghanistan face a very bleak future. First a ban on educational institutes, now a ban on midwifery and nursing. Here’s all you need to know.
In a devastating turn of events for women’s rights and the already fragile healthcare system in Afghanistan, the ruling Taliban authorities have prohibited women from pursuing studies and careers in medical education, including midwifery and nursing. This decision has shattered the last remaining avenue for female education in the country.
The Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, reportedly issued this ban earlier this week during a meeting with the heads of medical institutions in Kabul. An official statement has not yet been released by the Taliban, but sources confirm that the decision took immediate effect. Healthcare facilities across Afghanistan have begun implementing the directive.
This ban comes amidst the ongoing crackdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Girls have already been barred from secondary education, and women are restricted from working in most sectors.
Impact on Healthcare
The suspension of women’s medical education is expected to have severe consequences, especially for Afghanistan’s healthcare system, which is already struggling with a lack of facilities, medical equipment, and professionals. According to the World Health Organization, the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, with 620 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in 2023.
Afghanistan also faces an acute shortage of midwives and nurses, with an estimated 18,000 more needed to meet the demand, as reported by the UN. Female healthcare workers are especially critical in Afghanistan, as male doctors are prohibited from treating women unless they are accompanied by a male guardian.
A representative of the Afghanistan Women and Children Strengthen Welfare Organization stated:
“The healthcare system was already on the brink of collapse, and this decision could push it over the edge. Without female healthcare workers, women and children will suffer disproportionately, exacerbating the already dire maternal and child health crisis.”
The Broader Picture
Since coming to power, the Taliban have systematically curtailed women’s rights under their interpretation of Shariah law. From banning women and girls from education to restricting their mobility and employment opportunities, the Taliban’s policies have drawn global condemnation and reactions.
Robert Dickson, the UK’s charge d’affaires in Kabul, said:
“This is another affront to women’s right to education and will further restrict access to healthcare for Afghan women and children.”
The Future Is Uncertain
For Afghan women and girls, the ban is a painful reminder of their diminishing rights and opportunities. Midwifery and nursing courses were a ray of hope for many just a few months ago. The BBC reported a visit to a Taliban-run midwife training center, where a student, Safia, stated her family was “so proud” of her achievements and hard work.
This is a national crisis, and many will suffer as future generations are likely to face its repercussions. Former President Hamid Karzai, who served from 2002 to 2014, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns over the current situation.
The international community has raised its voice as well. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, termed this an “unprecedented injustice” and highlighted that this discrimination must be revoked promptly. However, attempts by the international community to contact Taliban spokespersons and officials have been unsuccessful, as they are met with no response and minimal cooperation.
The future for Afghan women remains bleak, along with the education and healthcare systems.
Sources: Tribune, WHO, UN, Voice of America, Khaama Press
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