# Taliban restrictions on female education in Afghanistan > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/taliban-restrictions-on-female-education-in-afghanistan > Updated: 2026-08-11T04:07:40.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2. The Taliban’s ongoing ban on female education beyond primary school has created significant social, economic, and personal distress in Afghanistan. The restrictions, which have persisted for five years, bar girls from secondary schools and universities, affecting an estimated 2.4 million girls. This figure has reportedly increased by 200,000 over the past year. UNESCO reports that Afghanistan is now the only country in the world with such strict prohibitions on female secondary and higher education. The United Nations has described these policies, which include bans on university attendance and teaching, as “gender apartheid.” This policy has reversed two decades of progress; while nearly one million girls were enrolled in secondary school in 2021, enrollment has since plummeted. UNESCO warns that if these restrictions continue, the number of girls deprived of education could reach nearly four million by 2030. The crisis is compounded by a looming educator shortage. UNESCO estimates a deficit of over 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030, a situation exacerbated by the ban on women teaching boys. This leaves many students with unqualified instructors or no teachers at all. Beyond systemic risks like increased maternal mortality and a projected $9.6 billion economic loss by 2066, the ban takes a heavy emotional toll. The country also faces a broader literacy crisis, with over 90% of ten-year-olds unable to read a simple text. These challenges are further complicated by a lack of clean water, sanitation, and heating in schools, alongside natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. ## Claims - About 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been denied access to secondary education since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. (corroborated by 20 sources) - If the ban persists, nearly four million girls could be deprived of education by 2030. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Afghanistan is the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is strictly prohibited for girls and women. (corroborated by 9 sources) - More than 90% of 10-year-old children in Afghanistan cannot read a simple text. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Afghanistan is projected to face a deficit of more than 11,000 qualified female teachers by 2030. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The restrictions on women and girls are estimated to cost Afghanistan $9.6 billion by 2066. (corroborated by 4 sources) - A UN survey found that nine out of 10 Afghan men believe it is important for girls to attend secondary school. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-11: Afghanistan: 2.4 million girls denied secondary education by Taliban ban UNESCO reports that 2.4 million Afghan girls are barred from secondary education due to Taliban restrictions, a figure that could reach four million by 2030, causing severe economic and social crises. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afghanistan-taliban-education-ban-impacts-one-million-girls ### 2026-07-31: Taliban school ban leads to Afghan teen's suicide The Taliban’s ban on girls’ schooling in Afghanistan drove 16‑year‑old Fariba to suicide, highlighting broader mental‑health, economic and health impacts on women. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/taliban-school-ban-leads-to-afghan-teens-suicide --- Cite as: Taliban restrictions on female education in Afghanistan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/taliban-restrictions-on-female-education-in-afghanistan