Protesters in Washington and cities worldwide demand education for women in Afghanistan

Demonstrators in 54 cities in 23 countries took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the Taliban’s decision to ban women from attending universities in Afghanistan. From Dublin to Athens and Beirut, demonstrators declared that Afghan women deserve their fundamental human rights.

The Taliban continued its crackdown on women’s rights in Afghanistan last month when it issued a ban on women attending university, followed days later by a ban on women working for foreign NGOs.

Representatives of the hardline group cited the way female students dressed as one of the reasons for the decision, as well as a desire to prevent mixing of genders and concerns about the subjects being taught. Afghan women were almost immediately turned away from university gates, sparking women-led protests and international condemnation.

Protesters in Washington braved frigid winter weather on Saturday to show solidarity with Afghan women, rallying just blocks away from the White House. Afghan women and men were among dozens of people chanting “down with the Taliban”, “let her learn” and “women’s rights are human rights”.

Worldwide, demonstrators ranged from families with young children in Sydney, Australia to students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, holding signs demanding “Let Afghan Girls Learn”.

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council called on the Taliban to reverse all oppressive measures against women and girls, including its restriction on women aid workers.