In brief
Trainees at multiple Afghan institutions weep as they receive orders to cease their education, marking another blow to women's rights under Taliban rule, which has already seen restrictions on secondary and higher education for girls since August 2021.
Women training as midwives and nurses in Afghanistan faced a shocking announcement from the Taliban that effectively bans them from their classes, marking the closing of a crucial pathway for women seeking education. Five institutions have confirmed this development to the BBC, with distressing videos surfacing of students expressing their grief over the sudden termination of their studies.As of now, the Taliban's health ministry has yet to provide an official confirmation regarding this order. However, it aligns with the group's ongoing restrictive policies toward female education, which have left adolescent girls without access to secondary or higher learning since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. Despite previous declarations from the Taliban claiming they would eventually reintroduce educational opportunities contingent on the implementation of an "Islamic" curriculum, these promises have yet to materialize.One of the few academic paths still accessible to women has been the midwifery and nursing programs, as these careers are among the limited options available under the stringent regulations imposed by the Taliban. The importance of these fields cannot be overstated, especially in a healthcare system where male doctors cannot treat female patients without the presence of a male guardian.Just a few months ago, the BBC had the opportunity to visit a Taliban-operated midwife training center where several women were actively engaged in learning. One of the trainees, Safia, expressed her pride in her role in serving her community while leaving her own children behind. Yet, even at that time, some women voiced concerns about the future of their education.With an estimated 17,000 women impacted by this abrupt ban, uncertainty looms over their training and future. Informal confirmations of the ban by two Ministry of Health insiders suggest that this could be a permanent decision. Recorded videos sent to the BBC reveal a community in mourning, with women quietly protesting and expressing their fears.A female student from Kabul recounted her experience, detailing how they were informed to "wait until further notice," leaving exams unfulfilled as the end of the semester approached. Another lamented that they were only allowed to grab their belongings before departing, fearing possible repercussions from Taliban officials. For many, these classes represented hope amid overwhelming challenges like unemployment, anxiety, and isolation.The implications of halting midwifery education extend beyond personal education; it raises grave concerns about women's healthcare in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations, the country requires an additional 18,000 midwives to adequately serve its population. Tragically, Afghanistan holds one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with an alarming statistic reported by the World Health Organization indicating 620 women dying for every 100,000 live births.
