Three weeks have passed since classes resumed in Afghan schools for boys only, with the return of girls to their classrooms and female teachers suspended, despite previous promises by the Taliban. This prompted dozens of women to gather in Kabul to demand the opening of schools for girls and to not deprive them of education. According to a report from Reuters on Sunday, dozens of women in Kabul called for the opening of girls' schools. They also demanded that all women, including teachers, be allowed to return to their jobs after the militant group suspended their work.
The protesters, who brought many children with them, raised banners and slogans that read "The World's Silence is Shameful," and "We Want Work," in addition to slogans demanding freedom and prosperity. It is noteworthy that the Taliban had previously promised to reopen schools for girls, but nothing has happened, amidst the anxiety of thousands of Afghan mothers about their daughters' future.
**Empty Promises**
Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the group, confirmed last month (September 2021) that girls would soon be allowed to return to school, although he did not specify a date for this "upcoming" return. Since seizing control of the Afghan capital in mid-August 2021, many questions have arisen regarding the Taliban's stance on women's rights in the country, especially after schools and universities were opened last month for boys only. They also requested that some female employees in public institutions remain at home, which has raised concerns for thousands of Afghan women and denounced by international human rights organizations.
It should be noted that during the Taliban's first rule from 1996 to 2001, women were largely excluded from public life and were rarely allowed to leave their homes. They were deprived of education, travel, and the ability to work in most jobs and sectors.
