Taliban keeps girls' schools closed

The promise of girls' secondary schools reopening in Afghanistan was cause for celebration. However, just hours after students had started their lessons, the Taliban regime shut them down again.

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan left many people concerned for girls' education. Many feared a repeat of the Taliban regime between 1996 and 2001, when no education of girls was permitted. However, there was more optimism after girls were allowed to attend primary school.

Finally, when girls' secondary education resumed 7 months later, students were thrilled. 12th grader Satayesh hopes it continues.

Satayesh Hamdard: "I am feeling very happy that the schools are open today. We came to our school with a lot of happiness, and I am hoping that our school remains open until the end of the year. We are hopeful that we could start this year with happiness and joy, with a new thought. And I hope, hope they don't disappoint us."

This progress suffered a further setback when, hours after reopening, the schools were ordered to close again. The education ministry failed to offer any reasonable explanation for the decision. Many decided that senior, more fundamentalist Taliban officials had vetoed the move.

The action led to demonstrations in Kabul. Women and girls furious with the government risked arrest to voice their objection and claim their right to education.

Laila Basim: "Taliban should open the girls' schools because women are half part of the society. Taliban cannot oppress the women of Afghanistan."

Nawesa: "It's in our Prophet's sayings, everyone has given us this right. But Taliban has taken away this right from us. Education is our right."

International negotiations with the Taliban demand girls have full rights to education. Without this, few countries will recognise its government, which means no international funding. Some have offered to fund teachers' salaries.

Kabul student Sahar wants schools reopened.

Sahar Mohammadi: "When the Islamic Emirate say we must live according to Islamic laws, they need to please open the schools. Because it is in the Quran that both men and women are allowed to continue their education and study."

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