Campaign for reopening schools, universities for girls in Afghanistan gains momentum

New Delhi: University professors, women's rights activists, and religious clerics have joined forces to launch a nationwide campaign called "Education of Afghan Girls," aimed at reopening schools and universities for female students in Afghanistan, Tolo news agency reported.

Despite repeated requests and appeals over the past two years, no action has been taken by the authorities to address this issue, prompting the campaigners to intensify their efforts.

"The campaign for girls' education in Afghanistan has been launched as a national initiative, and this campaign will continue until the doors of schools and universities are opened for girls," stated Fazl Hadi Wazeen, a prominent religious cleric supporting the cause said to the Tolo news.

The closure of schools for girls above the sixth grade has left many young girls uncertain about their prospects. Setara, a student, expressed her concerns, saying, "If we don't study, it is clear that in the future there will be neither good doctors nor good teachers in our country." Another student, Ghazal, appealed to the Taliban, stating, "We ask the Taliban to open the doors of schools for us. We want to study and serve our country."

The closure of schools for female students above the sixth grade has persisted for nearly two years, despite widespread national and international outcry. The issue has attracted attention at various forums, including the recent SCO meeting.

Speaking on the matter, the UN deputy special representative for Afghanistan, Markus Potzel, highlighted the importance of female education and their participation in various organizations. He emphasized that resolving these issues could lead to Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community.

Potzel urged the Afghan government to lift restrictions on females, stating, "If this happens, I can imagine that Afghanistan would be integrated into the international community again, and international donors would also rethink and probably reinforce engagement with Afghanistan."

Afghanistan discussed in SCO

The SCO meeting, held under New Delhi's chairmanship, extensively discussed the situation in Afghanistan, with many heads of state expressing concern and calling for an inclusive government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the shared priorities of SCO member countries, including the welfare of the Afghan people, humanitarian aid, an inclusive government, counterterrorism efforts, and safeguarding the rights of women, children, and minorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the need to combat terrorist activities, prevent radicalization, and address drug trafficking and organized crime in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, stating that it would contribute to global peace, security, and progress.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of Kazakhstan stressed the continuation of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, calling for the protection of human rights and regional cooperation.

The campaign to reopen schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan is gaining momentum, with various stakeholders and international bodies voicing their support. As efforts intensify, the hope remains that girls in Afghanistan will have access to education, enabling them to shape their futures and contribute to the development of their country.