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Taliban restrictions on female education in Afghanistan

Updated 12 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-18 03:48 UTC → 2026-09-21 13:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The educational crisis in Afghanistan has intensified, with UNESCO reporting that approximately 2.4 million girls are currently barred from secondary education. This figure represents an increase of 200,000 since the previous year, and projections suggest the number could reach nearly four million by 2030. The UN has characterized these systemic restrictions as “gender apartheid.” Beyond the loss of schooling, the crisis is exacerbated by crumbling infrastructure, with nearly half of schools lacking basic water, sanitation, or heating. Literacy rates have plummeted, with over 90% of 10-year-old children unable to read simple text. Economically, the restrictions on women and girls are estimated to cost the country $9.6 billion by 2066. The ban on female teachers is also expected to create a deficit of more than 11,000 qualified educators by 2030. Recent reports on International Literacy Day highlight that the female literacy rate in Afghanistan stands at approximately 27 percent. Physical infrastructure deficits are further hindering education in provinces such as Badakhshan, where approximately 285 schools lack permanent buildings. This forces thousands of students to study in temporary tents or open spaces, leaving them vulnerable to extreme summer heat and winter cold. In response to these prohibitions, clandestine educational networks have emerged. As of September 2026, UNICEF reports that approximately 2.6 million girls are excluded from secondary education. To bypass these bans, girls are increasingly attending secret, underground schools. These clandestine efforts include lessons in English, which instructors emphasize is essential for navigating modern technology and artificial intelligence. Despite the risks, these 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. Recent developments indicate further setbacks.

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