Taliban to give women education rights but with their own rules.
Right after Taliban captured Afghanistan, people got divided in two sections. One who supported the tyranny and the coup, the other who completely opposed them. But even with all the resistance for them, Taliban continues to rule the country. As a new ruling government, Taliban was bound to fulfill certain responsibilities. As everyone’s eyes were on Taliban, seeing what actions they, as an active government they will take especially regarding the rights to their people. Women of Afghan were most concerned about their rights because Taliban is infamous for oppressing women. Even in the previous rule of Taliban during 1996 to 2001, women and girls were completely banned from any educational institution and were forced to stay at home. So this time, everyone was thinking something like that might be happening again. But this time, Taliban has decided to let women of Afghan to study. The organization’s announcement on higher education policy came on this Sunday, just after the day they hoisted their flag over the Presidential Palace, marking the day as their complete rule over the country. The Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani told reporters that women will be able to in institutions.
But there will be some rules that they must follow. Women will be studying in separate schools and colleges, as well as they must wear predetermined dress. They will not be allowed to enter any institution without wearing Hijabs. The newly appointed Minister also stated that the current curriculum subjects in the Universities will also be reviewed to make sure they are suitable and according to their Islamic values. They will also be trying to compete with other developing countries. On a previous account, the government said that women will also not be exempted from jobs. But considering their takeover on the country, they requested all women to stay at home until the situations improved a little bit. However, women employed in healthcare sectors continued their services. The new policy is somewhat very different and strict as compared to prior to the takeover. Women previously were not bound to a particular dress code and schools and universities were co-educational, letting girls and boys study together. The minister seemed unapologetic and reluctant for the proposed changes. He said “We have no problems in ending the mixed education system. The people are Muslims and they will accept it.” Despite the promises Taliban have made publicly, some experts believe that they might not follow it. Experts explained that considering the conditions of Afghanistan, they think th universities do not have enough resources to provide separate educations to boys and girls and it might not be possible for them to fulfill the class requirements. But Haqqani insisted that they have enough Female teachers for women’s colleges and schools. In case there is a situation of faculty shortage, male teachers can be provided to the institutions but they will teach with a cover of curtain or something like that to ensure the distance between males and females. Hundreds of Taliban supporter women were seen to be carrying small Taliban flags, wearing Niqabs and speaking pro Taliban slogans. A report suggests that since the last rule of Taliban ended in 2001, the female literacy rate in the country has doubled just in a time period of a decade. However, many women, in fear of the Taliban gaining power in the country again left as soon as they could, including famous people like pop star Arynana Sayeed , a well known film director Sahara Karimi. So as the world watches, it would be worth seeing what the country Afghanistan change under the rule of Taliban and whether it will prove to be a boon or bane for the nation.