After the rise of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan, women's access to education has been restricted even within their homes, according to the Financial Times.
According to the Financial Times, thousands of Afghan women and girls are turning to online educational programs to bypass the restrictions imposed by the Taliban government on education.
Following the expansion of restrictions on higher education in December 2022, there has been an increased demand for courses in English, science, and business offered online.
The struggle for knowledge continues against all odds!
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) January 10, 2024
Despite modern times, #Afghan women remain deprived of #education.
Amid #Taliban's restrictive policies, thousands turn to digital platforms for courses in #English, #science, & #business. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/zS9zDFgIs6
Despite facing challenges such as security risks, limited internet connectivity, and power shortages, Afghan women are determined to pursue education.
The Taliban, citing the interpretation of Islamic law, has imposed strict restrictions on women's education.
According to a UNICEF report, more than 1 million girls have been affected by the restrictions on education.
Additionally, access to the internet is very limited and difficult in Afghanistan, with only 6% of women having internet access, and in rural areas, this number drops to a mere 2%.
In the UK, an online learning platform has recorded the enrollment of more than 33,000 Afghan students, mostly women, during the period of education restrictions. Last year, over 21,000 Afghan women applied for degree courses during this time.
Online universities, like the Public University, implement protective measures for Afghan female students. These measures allow women to conceal their identities, and fake identities are also permitted in classes.
It should be noted that the restrictions also impact Afghan boys, as there is a severe shortage of male teachers. The educational restrictions imposed by the Taliban government have faced condemnation from Islamic scholars on the global stage.
In 2022, prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani wrote a letter to the Taliban chief, emphasizing the importance of girls' education and advocating for the reopening of schools.
