Afghanistan's secret schools for girls

The Taliban became the leaders of Afghanistan in 2021. Life for Afghan women changed.

There are very strict rules for girls and women. They can go to primary school and university. But secondary schools are closed. Now, there are secret schools for women.

Nafeesa goes to a secret school. Her brother can't know. She tells him that she goes to Qur'an classes.

Nafeesa: "My brother is a Talib, he wouldn't allow me to come here. He even tried to stop me when I was in grade eight. I use madrasa as an excuse to come here. My brother doesn't know that I come to school here, only my mother supports me."

Tamkin's a secret teacher. She teaches at her home. She's not safe. Her students tell people that it's a Qur'an school.

Tamkin: "Recently, some Taliban have moved in the house in front of us. They have asked several times what is going on here. I have asked the girls to say it is a madrasa. People in the neighbourhood know that I have studied shariah and women rights, and in the past I used to speak about religious topics on TV."

The Taliban promised to open secondary schools for girls. But they are closed. They say they're still planning.

Teachers like Tamkin continue to work in secret. They want a better future for their students.

Tamkin: "I didn't want these girls to be like me, they should have a better future than me. Currently, many minor girls are forced to get married, like I was. I was engaged at 12 years old. I struggled a lot to get an education, that's why I don't want them to go through as much."

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