UNICEF Warns of Early Marriage Risks for Afghan Girls Due to Education Ban

UNICEF Chief Catherine Russell has raised alarm over the increasing risk of early marriage for Afghan girls as they are denied education, Khaama Press revealed yesterday.

In a recent statement, she highlighted that girls excluded from schooling are often confined to their homes, facing limited futures and heightened vulnerability. The ban on education beyond sixth grade and in universities restricts women’s job opportunities, exacerbating their plight.

A UN survey indicates that Taliban policies have shifted family attitudes negatively towards girls’ education, with fears of repression leading to decreased support. This has resulted in a rise in early marriages, leaving many girls with few life options. Russell emphasized that no nation can thrive without the contributions of its women, urging the global community to advocate for Afghan girls’ rights and education. The ongoing restrictions signify a deepening crisis, stifling progress and empowerment in Afghan society.