Swedish committee condemns continued ban on girls’ schooling

KABUL (TOLOnews): The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) called on the “de facto authorities” in Afghanistan to immediately reopen education facilities at all levels, to girls and boys, women and men, and “prioritize investing in education as a critical component of Afghanistan’s development.”
The report said that preventing girls from getting an education has no justification, on any grounds, including religion or tradition.
“Preventing girls from getting an education has no justification, on any grounds, including religion or tradition,” the report said. “Education is an essential tool for empowering individuals and communities. Without education, a girl is more likely to marry at a young age and suffer from domestic violence, poverty, and health issues.”
This comes as an online education center has been launched for female students in Kabul.
The center was opened after female students in grade 7-12 were prevented from attending their schools for the second consecutive year. The institution is named Mawlana Educational Center.
“Indeed, in such conditions where we have been barred from schools and universities and other institutions, online courses are a good opportunity for girls to continue their education,” said Sofia, a student.
The founder of the online education center, Anita Shirzad, said that online education is the only option for girls currently in Afghanistan.
“My main concerns about our activity are power outages and internet connection. If any day power or internet is cut completely in Afghanistan, we will face serious problems,” she said.
Meanwhile, female students beyond grade six called on the Islamic Emirate to reopen the doors of the schools.
“I don’t think that we girls will be deprived of schools forever. I think this is a temporary ban because how is it possible that girls and women will be kept ignorantly at home?” a student said.
“We should be hopeful because every night has a dawn. Therefore, we should be hopeful and should be strong,” a student said.
It has been more than 18 months since female students in grade 7-12 have been deprived of schooling.