Politics / Afghanistan
Taliban Education Policies and Their Impact on Women
Since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have prohibited girls and women from attending secondary education. Instead, they direct females to religious schools known as matrasas, which focus solely on Islamic teachings.
Source material: Taliban push women to enter religious schoolsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Summary
Since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have prohibited girls and women from attending secondary education. Instead, they direct females to religious schools known as matrasas, which focus solely on Islamic teachings.
The number of operational matrasas in Afghanistan has surged to over 20,000, with a significant increase in female enrollment among those aged 12 to 18, primarily studying Quran recitation.
Education in Taliban-run matrasas is limited to Quranic studies and their interpretation of Islamic law, lacking broader subjects such as mathematics that are available in some other countries.
Enrollment in matrasas is often tied to receiving aid from the Taliban, which has become crucial for impoverished families facing economic hardships.
Perspectives
Taliban's Education Policies
- Prohibits girls and women from secondary education, directing them to matrasas
- Links enrollment in matrasas to receiving essential aid for impoverished families
Critics of Taliban Policies
- Limits educational opportunities for women, hindering their future prospects
- Forces young girls to abandon career aspirations due to lack of formal education
Neutral / Shared
- Matrasas focus solely on Quranic studies and interpretation of Islamic law
- Number of operational matrasas has increased significantly in Afghanistan
Metrics
more than 20,000 units
total operational matrasas in Afghanistan
This indicates a significant shift in educational infrastructure under Taliban rule
the number operating nationwide has surged to more than 20,000.
about 300 females aged 12 to 18 study here units
female students in a specific matrasa
This highlights the scale of female participation in religious education despite restrictions
About 300 females aged 12 to 18 study here.
2.2 million units
of women able to access secondary education
This figure underscores the drastic reduction in educational opportunities for women
The UN says the number of women in Afghanistan are able to get secondary education or higher stands at about 2.2 million.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The Taliban have restricted girls and women in Afghanistan from secondary education, directing them to religious schools known as matrasas. These institutions focus solely on Quranic studies, limiting educational opportunities compared to traditional schooling.
- Since regaining control in 2021, the Taliban have prohibited girls and women from attending secondary education, directing them instead to religious schools known as matrasas that focus on Islamic teachings
- The number of operational matrasas in Afghanistan has increased to over 20,000, with a notable rise in female enrollment among those aged 12 to 18, primarily studying Quran recitation
- Education in Taliban-run matrasas is restricted to Quranic studies and their interpretation of Islamic law, lacking broader subjects such as mathematics that are available in some other countries
- Enrollment in matrasas is often linked to receiving aid from the Taliban, which has become essential for impoverished families facing economic difficulties
- Many young girls, such as a 15-year-old student, are compelled to give up their career aspirations, like becoming a doctor, due to the limitations imposed on formal education