A new school year started this week in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban, an Islamist group in power, continues to restrict women from attending schools up to elementary school, and women are calling for the resumption of education.
This week in Afghanistan, the new year began on the traditional calendar, and a new school year began in schools across the country.
In Kabul, the capital, on March 20th, officials from the interim Taliban government and others gathered for a ceremony to coincide with the start of the new academic year, during which Acting Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi said, ``The highest priority is the teachings and faith of Islam.'' "And then you can also study science," he said, emphasizing the importance of learning Islamic teachings.
Since the Taliban returned to power three years ago in 2021, they have tightened restrictions on women's rights, limiting women's ability to attend schools up to elementary school, and girls and students have been calling for the resumption of education.
A 14-year-old woman in Kabul said she had been preparing her bags and uniforms in hopes of being able to attend school in the new school year, saying, ``It's sad that schools remain closed.Girls have dreams for the future, too.'' I want schools to reopen," he said.
In February, a senior Taliban interim government official explained to NHK that efforts were being made to restart girls' education, but there is no prospect that the situation will change.