Why Education Matters for Girls in Afghanistan?

Why Education Matters for Girls in Afghanistan?

AFGHAN WOMEN

Shukria Naseri

Education is a beacon of light that illuminates not just the minds of individuals but also the entire community, country, and the world. However, in Afghanistan, this light often remains dimmed.

The reality for many Afghan girls is akin to holding a lamp that cannot be turned on; they are forced to navigate their lives in darkness. Despite their immense potential and passion for learning, these girls find themselves deprived of the opportunity to pursue education. Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right that every girl on this planet deserves. It is essential for their growth and development, and it is crucial that we advocate for their access to education.

The Importance of Girls’ Education: “Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals—including boys and men—the opportunity to fulfil their potential.” (UNICEF)

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Safety and a sense of value are vital components of a child’s development. As noted by CAO Central, “Learning suffers when students fear for their safety, worry about being bullied, or don’t sense their teachers have high expectations for their success.” In the context of Afghanistan, where girls face significant barriers to education, these challenges are exacerbated. (CAO Central, 2021)

Afghan girls are among the most resilient and courageous individuals in the world. They have been systematically denied access to education, making them part of a unique generation that has fought against adversity with remarkable perseverance. The fight for Afghan girls’ education is not just about individual rights; it is a battle for fairness, equality, and a better future for all.

The Current Situation:

The plight of Afghan girls is heart wrenching. When discussing their education, one cannot help but feel a profound sense of sorrow. Many girls express their desire for education despite the obstacles they face. For instance:

• Sharifa shares, “Since our schools were closed, I’ve been trying to study at home as much as possible. I attend courses for a few hours and then I help out with chores around the house.”

• Bibi Gul, who was married before completing high school, states, “I wouldn’t have agreed to getting married if I could go to school. I feel very hopeless and heartbroken that I can’t go to school. It’s a huge loss for Afghan girls and women. Our society will suffer immensely because of it.”

• Ferzana, who dropped out in sixth grade, reflects, “For me, school meant a chance to become someone useful to support my family and serve my country.”

These poignant voices illustrate the deep yearning for education among Afghan girls and the devastating impact of its absence. As UNICEF reports, these hopes and hearts remain broken in Afghanistan.

Cultural Implications: As Ray Bradbury poignantly stated, “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” (Fahrenheit 451 book, Bradbury, 1953) This quote resonates deeply with the situation in Afghanistan.

The denial of education to girls is a systematic erasure of culture and potential. Without access to middle and high school—basic rights—these girls are deprived of the chance to develop their ideas and contribute meaningfully to society. In no religion, country, or legal framework does it state that girls should be denied the right to education. The ongoing restrictions on their schooling are unfounded and unjustifiable.

The next reason why girls should attend school is that they all have the potential to learn and should have the right to receive an education. Their future matters. They are not just one girl; they represent a collective force of change and progress. Education is crucial for the future of Afghanistan. Every girl in Afghanistan is a future mother, leader, and contributor to a developed society. Denying them get an education is tantamount to stifling the potential of an entire generation.

The Reality of Sustainable Development Goals for Girls in Afghanistan

 When considering the two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) most relevant to girls in Afghanistan at this time—SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality)— (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)) the situation is alarming. Teenage girls are unable to attend school, with their education often ending in the sixth grade.

Education is a fundamental human right, and all Afghan girls deserve access to it. Achieving gender equality is challenging.

“If we add the girls who were already out of school before the bans were introduced, there are now almost 2.5 million girls in the country deprived of their right to education, representing 80% of Afghan school-age girls,” UNESCO said. RIAZAT BUTT, August 15, 2024, AP. Girls are facing barriers to higher education, employment, and participation in governance. These persistent challenges hinder progress in Afghanistan.

What Can We Do? (Our Mission):

The situation in Afghanistan makes it abundantly clear that we must take action to support girls’ education. If this trend continues, we risk losing an entire generation to ignorance and despair, undermining the possibility of sustainable development in the country. One significant barrier for many girls in Afghanistan is access to online educational opportunities.

Unfortunately, unreliable internet connections, lack of resources, and limited electricity mean that not all girls can take advantage of online learning platforms. Sakina, a young girl eager to learn online, shared her frustration with VOA’s Learning English program: “I couldn’t continue,” she said. “It’s too hard to access the internet in Afghanistan, and sometimes we have half an hour of power in 24 hours.” This stark reality highlights the systemic barriers that prevent Afghan girls from accessing even basic educational resources.(Learning English, 2023)

The most effective solution is to open the doors of schools for girls in Afghanistan. They represent the future of the nation and deserve the opportunity to attend secondary school and pursue higher education. To create a brighter future, we must advocate for increased funding for educational projects by organizations like the UN, ensure that girls can attend school—an essential human right—and create secure environments where they can learn safely.

A sustainable world cannot be achieved while an entire community suffers not because of a lack of potential but because they have been denied the chance to grow and make the future they desire. The empowerment of Afghan girls through education is not just a local issue; it is a global imperative that affects us all.

In summary, the education of girls in Afghanistan is vital for their personal growth, societal progress, and the overall development of the nation. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated; every day that passes without action is a day that countless girls remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.

We must reinforce our commitment to ensuring that Afghan girls have access to education, as it is their fundamental right. I call upon everyone globally to join forces in this critical mission. Let us work together to create a sustainable world where every individual can live and learn in a safe environment. The rights of Afghan girls are paramount and deserve our immediate attention and action. Together, we can help illuminate their futures and enable them to shine brightly as leaders of tomorrow.

References:

1. UNICEF,
2. Girls’ Education(https://www.unicef.org/education/girls-education)
3. Hopes and Hearts Broken in Afghanistan (https://www.unicef.org/stories/hopes-and-hearts-broken-afghanistan)
4. CAO Central, 4.8.2021, Children learn best when they feel safe and valued.  (https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/children-learn-best-when-they-feel-safe-and-valued)
5. Fahrenheit 451 Book; October 19, 1953, Ray Bradbury, (https://toughguybookclub.com/fahrenheit_451_ray_bradbury_1953)
6. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). (n.d.). Retrieved from (https://afghanistan.un.org/en/sdgs)
7. Associated Press.Taliban have deliberately deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of schooling through bans, says UNESCO,  RIAZAT BUTT, August 15, 2024.(https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-girls-education-bans-da2c1ec7b1b5e27c6bcf34052553860b)
8. Learning English; Afghan Girls Struggle with Internet for Online Classes, April 04, 2023(https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/afghan-girls-struggle-with-internet-for-online-classes/7025306.html)
9.  

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