UN Survey: Vast Majority of Afghans Back Girls’ Education Despite Taliban Ban

UN Survey: Vast Majority of Afghans Back Girls’ Education Despite Taliban Ban
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More than 90% of Afghans support girls’ right to education, according to a United Nations survey released Friday, underscoring overwhelming public opposition to the Taliban’s four-year-old ban on female secondary and higher schooling, Khaama Press reported.

The survey, which included 2,000 respondents nationwide, reflects a broad demand for access to education despite continued restrictions. “Afghan families are determined for their daughters to study,” said Sofia Calltorp, UN Women’s head of humanitarian action, who also warned of mounting trauma and urgent needs in women’s mental health and healthcare.

The UN stressed that Taliban-imposed employment bans on Afghan women within aid organizations have further crippled humanitarian relief, with 97% of Afghan women describing the policy as devastating.

Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed sweeping curbs on women’s rights, including shutting schools and universities, banning most paid work, and restricting public presence. In a new measure, leaders have reportedly ordered the removal of women’s photos from ID cards, further deepening what rights groups describe as gender apartheid.