Reports from Kandahar reveal that the Taliban’s recent directives have further constrained the educational opportunities for girls in the region, particularly those over the age of 10.
Sources disclosed to Hasht-e Subh Daily on Thursday, February 22, that the Taliban have mandated school principals in Kandahar province to bar girls aged 10 and above from attending classes below the sixth grade.
According to these sources, the directive emanates from the Taliban’s educational authorities in Kandahar.
Official statements from the Taliban regarding these developments are yet to be issued.
This move follows previous actions by the Taliban, including the prohibition of taller girls from accessing educational facilities across several provinces in Afghanistan.
Moreover, aside from shutting down girls’ schools beyond the sixth grade, the Taliban have also mandated that students in grades four to six wear face coverings during their commute to school.
Since December 20, 2022, the Taliban have enforced a blanket ban on girls and women from accessing both public and private universities, further restricting their educational pursuits.