Expert warns ban on girls’ education will seriously impact Afghanistan’s development
Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, the ban on secondary and higher education for girls has persisted, impacting millions of Afghan youths. As of 2025, approximately 2.2 million girls are deprived of secondary education, a number that could exceed 4 million if the ban continues until 2030, according to UNICEF.
Experts warn that this policy not only denies educational opportunities but also entrenches gender inequality, limiting workforce productivity and contributing to economic stagnation. The World Food Program estimates that Afghanistan loses about 2.5 percent of its annual GDP due to the exclusion of girls from education. Educated women play a crucial role in healthcare, governance, and community resilience, making their absence detrimental to national progress.
The consequences of the ban extend beyond immediate educational denial. Salma Niazi, editor in chief of the Afghan Times, notes that the policy risks creating a multi-generational impact, including increased poverty and brain drain. The Taliban’s restrictions have also intensified health risks, with fewer female doctors available to provide essential care, potentially leading to an additional 1,600 maternal deaths and over 3,500 infant deaths.
Furthermore, the education ban is projected to increase early childbearing rates by 45 percent and maternal mortality risks by 50 percent, according to UN Women. The psychological toll on Afghan girls is severe, fostering hopelessness and despair.
Despite these challenges, some families are seeking alternatives through underground schools and online programs, although these efforts face significant obstacles. Advocacy groups continue to pressure the Taliban to lift the ban, which remains a violation of fundamental rights.
The international community has condemned the Taliban’s actions, with organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO calling for immediate action to restore access to education for Afghan girls.
