Girls can achieve more than just doing housework

“When I heard about the closure of schools, I felt as if the world became dark on me because the doors to schools, education, and the future were closed for us,” said Yalda.* “And I thought I’ll not be able to follow my dream anymore,” she continued.

In March 2022, Yalda, 18, arrived at school after the winter holiday, excited to start her final year of high school. But instead, she was told to go back home, that she was not allowed to enter the school. This was devastating for her; she had not only been unable to complete her final year, but her future was also on hold, as she could not start the university until her high education was completed.

Unfortunately, as of April 2023, Afghanistan became the only country in the world where girls are restricted to get education above sixth grade.

“As I heard the news that schools are closed for girls, I was shocked and started crying,” says Sahar,* 16, a student who was in the 10th grade when the ban was introduced.

“I tried to visit my school two times last year, but I was not allowed to enter. I miss my school, friends and teachers,” Yalda continues disappointedly. “While I was going to school, I was motivated and had high morale because I knew I could achieve my dreams through education. I dream of becoming a doctor and serving my society.”

“I dream of becoming an engineer, but now that schools are closed, I don’t have hope to fulfil my dream,” said Sahar,

Like Yalda and Sahar, the dreams of millions of Afghan girls are now indefinitely on hold, leaving a feeling of hopelessness.

As the result of these restrictions, more than 1 million girls are deprived of their right to education.  Unfortunately, barring girls from education has led to an increase in child marriage and child labour.

In the last year, boredom haդ crept into Yalda’s life; her days were passing without studies and without dreams, only home chores. To pass the time, she joined a local tailoring course. 

Sahar was also busy with home chores, such as cooking, sweeping, washing clothes and dishes and tailoring. “I’m completely hopeless and think that we will never be allowed to continue our education,” she told.

Education restrictions continues to take serious toll on the mental health of girls. “I’m experiencing stress and mental issues and suffer from not being able to fulfil my dreams,” said Sahar. “I am following the news every day to hear about reopening school doors for girls. The day I hear this news will be the happiest day of my life.”

In 2023, an estimated one third of the Afghan population requires humanitarian assistance. This includes food security, healthcare, education, access to clean water and protection. Over 8.7 million people need education assistance. Education is critical in lifting up populations and ensuring a sustainable future. Education leads to more robust economies, stronger healthcare systems, decreased vulnerability and happier and healthier children.

Yalda believes that educating girls is important because of many reasons; an educated woman will also educate her family, leading to building stronger, more resilient communities.

Yalda says that the only dream she has now is to see schools welcome Afghan girls again. She calls on the global community to advocate for girls’ right to an education and to help Afghan girls achieve their dreams.

“If we are educated, we can have better work opportunities and we can support our families and the society,” said Sahar.

* Names are changed to protect identities.