The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The United Nations in Afghanistan on International Teachers’ Day praised Afghan teachers for their dedication to educating future generations, while highlighting the continued restrictions on girls’ education under the Taliban.
In a statement marking International Teachers’ Day, the U.N.
in Afghanistan said Afghan teachers’ “passion, knowledge and dedication” are
helping prepare future generations to lead and prosper. It also expressed hope
that Afghan women would be able to continue their education, become future
educators and help build the knowledge and skills of young girls.
Girls have been barred from attending secondary schools
since the Taliban ordered them to remain at home when high schools for boys
reopened on Sept. 18, 2021. The ban affects girls in grades seven through 12,
primarily those between the ages of 12 and 18.
More than 2.6 million girls have been excluded from secondary
education under the policy, according to the United Nations. The Taliban have
made several commitments to allow girls to return to classrooms but have not
reopened secondary schools for them nationwide.
The restrictions have also affected female public servants.
Under a Taliban directive that took effect June 13, 2024, female government
employees who were ordered to remain at home had their monthly salaries reduced
to 5,000 Afghanis, or about $70.
The restrictions on girls and women have drawn widespread
international criticism, with the United Nations and other organizations
repeatedly calling on the Taliban to restore women’s and girls’ access to
education and employment.
