University Ban Continues for Afghan Women

The announcement that universities in Afghanistan are closed to women is a human rights violation. Afghanistan, like any other country, cannot thrive by keeping half of its population in the dark.

The ban comes on the heels of over a year and a half of girls not being allowed to attend secondary or high school in the country. Women are also restricted from most job opportunities, cannot attend parks or gyms, and cannot travel without a male chaperone. Afghanistan, like any other country, cannot thrive by trying to keep half of its population in the dark.

To build a sustainable and successful society, women need to be allowed to freely participate in civil society by attending school, going to work, and having access to public social spheres. There is no value in limiting the potential of half the population.

This is why it is so important that our fund focuses on supporting grassroots organizations working on the ground in Afghanistan—to ensure that there are dignified ways to access education and vocational training in the face of oppression.

History teaches us that when women thrive, entire societies thrive. Stand for Afghan women.