Afghan girls attend secret schools to bypass Taliban education bans

In Afghanistan, girls are continuing their education through secret, underground schools to bypass Taliban restrictions. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, secondary education for girls from the seventh grade onward has been suspended, leaving approximately 2.6 million girls excluded from higher learning, according to UNICEF.

These clandestine educational efforts include lessons in English, which instructors emphasize is essential for navigating modern technology and artificial intelligence. Despite the risks, schools also offer vocational training in fields such as tailoring and cosmetics, even though women-led businesses like cosmetic salons have faced prohibitions under the current regime. Participants and administrators remain anonymous due to fears that the Taliban may shut down these facilities if discovered.