Taliban Shuts Down Foreign Language Centers for Women in Herat

Taliban Shuts Down Foreign Language Centers for Women in Herat
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Authorities in Herat, Afghanistan, have closed several foreign language education centers for women in recent days, raising further concerns over women’s access to education under Taliban rule. According to local sources, the closures followed warnings from Taliban officials threatening the arrest of male teachers instructing female students.

These centers were among the few remaining educational options for women and girls after a series of nationwide restrictions since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Women in Afghanistan are currently barred from secondary schools, universities, and most private educational institutions.

Education experts warn that continued restrictions on female education will have long-term negative impacts on Afghanistan’s social and economic development. With over 34 million people living below the poverty line, according to the UN, education is seen as a vital tool for empowerment and national progress. Observers fear the closures further isolate women, limiting their job prospects and societal participation.