By Bishop Guillermo A. Ahumada
In a shocking escalation of their oppressive policies, the Taliban have now barred Afghan women from pursuing education in midwifery and nursing, cutting off one of the last remaining avenues for women's education in Afghanistan. This move has sparked widespread outrage, symbolizing the ultimate betrayal of women's rights in a country that continues to be mired in gender inequality and authoritarian control.
For many Afghan women, the opportunity to study midwifery and nursing represented a lifeline. These programs were not just about professional aspirations; they were about hope, independence, and service to their communities. In a nation where access to healthcare is already severely limited, the presence of female nurses and midwives has been critical—particularly in a culture where many women are uncomfortable or prohibited from being treated by male healthcare professionals. By denying women access to these professions, the Taliban are not only crippling women's futures but also endangering the health of the entire Afghan population.
This latest prohibition is not an isolated incident but part of a broader campaign of systematic erasure of women from public life under Taliban rule. Since their return to power in 2021, the Taliban have barred women from secondary and higher education, restricted their employment opportunities, and enforced strict regulations on their presence in public spaces. The elimination of nursing and midwifery programs is a calculated step to solidify their regressive vision, where women are relegated to the shadows of society.
The ban further underscores the Taliban’s disregard for international pressure and human rights norms. Despite global outcry, these policies continue to expand, erasing decades of progress made in Afghanistan toward gender equality.
The consequences of this decision will be devastating. For Afghan women, it represents the extinguishment of their dreams and aspirations. For Afghan society, it spells disaster for an already struggling healthcare system. Without trained female professionals in obstetrics and nursing, maternal and child health will suffer drastically, leading to preventable deaths and suffering.
This policy also exacerbates economic hardships. Many women pursued nursing and midwifery not only to contribute to society but to support their families financially. Stripping them of this opportunity compounds the financial instability already plaguing countless Afghan households.
The international community must not stand idly by. Governments, NGOs, and activists must amplify their condemnation of the Taliban’s policies and push for immediate intervention. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and humanitarian aid focused on women’s empowerment are more crucial than ever. Afghan women deserve the world’s solidarity in their fight for basic human rights.
The ban on midwifery and nursing education is not just an assault on Afghan women; it is an attack on humanity itself. It sends a chilling message that women’s education and empowerment are expendable. However, Afghan women have shown time and again their resilience in the face of adversity. Their fight for justice and equality is far from over.
The Taliban’s actions are a stark reminder of the work that remains in the global struggle for gender equality. Every effort must be made to ensure that the voices of Afghan women are not silenced and that their fundamental rights are restored. The world must not let this betrayal go unnoticed or unanswered.