Five years after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, the country remains the world’s most restrictive environment for women and girls. According to the Global Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index, Afghanistan currently ranks 170th out of 170 countries, reflecting a complete collapse of female participation in public life, legal protections, and personal security since the fall of the previous government in August 2021.
The Shift from Armed Conflict to Systemic Exclusion
While the withdrawal of international forces and the subsequent collapse of the Afghan government in 2021 ended two decades of active warfare and suicide bombings, it ushered in what observers describe as a targeted campaign against women. Following an initial period where Taliban spokespeople, including Zabihullah Mujahid, promised that women’s rights would be protected within the framework of Sharia law, the regime systematically dismantled access to education.
The restrictions began with the closure of middle schools for girls, followed by high schools and eventually universities. This policy has forced a generation of Afghan women into domestic isolation. Reports from the ground indicate that some families, in a desperate attempt to delay the end of their daughters’ education, have asked children to fail fifth-grade exams to remain in primary school for as long as possible.
Did you know?
The WPS Index, which measures women’s inclusion, justice, and security, places Afghanistan at the absolute bottom of its global rankings. This reflects the total loss of institutional support for women’s rights since the transition of power five years ago.
Mental Health Crisis and the Resistance of Silence
The psychological toll of these restrictions is profound. Mazari, a 23-year-old psychologist working in Afghanistan, reports a sharp increase in patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. According to her observations, the highest levels of despair are found among girls who are denied the right to attend school. There are increasing accounts of young women taking their own lives as avenues for participation in society vanish.
Despite the ban, a clandestine resistance has emerged. Women are organizing secret schools in private homes, utilizing bedrooms and living rooms as classrooms. Digital learning has become a lifeline, with platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp facilitating education where physical access is blocked. In areas with poor internet connectivity, radio broadcasts serve as a primary tool for instruction.
Pro Tip: Supporting Remote Learning
Experts suggest that for digital education to be effective, international institutions must move beyond ad hoc solutions. Long-term progress requires formal accreditation and curriculum alignment so that knowledge gained in secret can eventually be recognized by recognized academic bodies.
The International Responsibility and Diplomatic Ties
The international community, which invested heavily in Afghan civil society for twenty years, now faces a crisis of credibility. Norway has remained a prominent actor, hosting Taliban delegations for diplomatic talks in Oslo. The stated goal of these engagements is to use dialogue to encourage moderation within the Taliban leadership.
However, critics argue that the extremist movement has failed to honor its initial pledges. As the country marks five years of Taliban rule, the gap between diplomatic discourse and the reality for Afghan women continues to widen. The central challenge remains whether international pressure can translate into tangible educational rights or if the current, restricted status of women will become a permanent feature of the Afghan state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are girls in Afghanistan unable to attend school?
The Taliban regime has prohibited girls from attending school beyond the fifth grade, effectively barring them from secondary and higher education. - Are there any legal ways for women to learn?
The current regime has made formal education for girls illegal. Consequently, all ongoing educational efforts, such as secret schools and digital platforms, operate outside of the state-sanctioned system. - What is the WPS Index?
The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Index is a global benchmark that measures women’s well-being and empowerment across 170 nations. Afghanistan currently holds the lowest ranking globally.
How do you view the role of international diplomacy in protecting human rights in conflict-affected regions? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on global humanitarian issues.
Keep reading