The right to education is one of the most basic human rights; however, some women are still unable to exercise this basic right. In Afghanistan, women's educational opportunities are limited.This year, the Taliban banned girls from choosing certain subjects in Afghanistan's national university entrance exam.The VOA Afghanistan Service received a form from the exam that showed female students could not choose civil engineering, journalism, veterinary, agriculture, or geology. According to Save the Children, 80% of Afghan secondary school girls were denied education by Taliban, who took power last year. However, female students were allowed to return to universities and study in gender-segregated classes.Olivier Franchi, acting Asia Regional Director for Save the Children Afghanistan, stated: “if girls are not allowed to go back to school, this will be a shocking violation of their rights. All children have an equal right to education regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion or economic background.”

There are certain subjects that men can take whereas for women it is not an option This shows the undeniable gender inequality issue. New restrictions imposed by the Taliban on female students have been deemed "concerning" by Human Rights Watch. Olivier Franchi explains that, “the international community also has an essential role to play and must continue to provide funding to support and protect girls who are still in school. The education system in Afghanistan is hanging by a thread and now is not the time to back away.” Gender equality and the right to an equal education are issues that cannot be ignored, as they contribute to the sustainability of the world.

By: Baniz Wasman