Inside Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Girls
Underground networks of home-based classes and backroom sewing lessons continue to operate across Afghanistan, providing clandestine education in subjects like English and math. Five years after the Taliban outlawed education for girls past sixth grade, UNESCO reports that nearly 2.4 million girls remain excluded from secondary education. Afghan women maintain these hidden learning spaces despite sweeping bans on higher education and employment, preparing students for a potential return to public participation.
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- ✓ Five years ago, the Taliban banned girls from getting an education.
- ✓ Nearly 2.4 million girls are excluded from secondary education under the regime, according to UNESCO.
What changed
Marie Claire published reporting highlighting SOLA as a remaining educational option for Afghan girls five years after the initial bans.
Live updates
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Secret Afghan Schools Operate Five Years After Ban
Underground networks of home-based classes and backroom sewing lessons continue to operate across Afghanistan, providing clandestine education in subjects like English and math. Five years after the Taliban outlawed education for girls past sixth grade, UNESCO reports that nearly 2.4 million girls remain excluded from secondary education. Afghan women maintain these hidden learning spaces despite sweeping bans on higher education and employment, preparing students for a potential return to public participation.
Why it matters
The ongoing prohibition against female education represents a systematic restriction on public life enforced by the Taliban regime. Secret networks offer a vital alternative for students locked out of official institutions. These underground classes preserve academic continuity while the broader population faces strict limits on employment and learning.
What is confirmed
- Five years ago, the Taliban banned girls from getting an education.
- Nearly 2.4 million girls are excluded from secondary education under the regime, according to UNESCO.
Still unconfirmed
- SOLA operates as the last place Afghan girls can go to learn.
What to watch next
- Further reports on underground school operations
- Updates from UNESCO on secondary education exclusion numbers
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (9)
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Afghan Women Run Secret Schools Five Years After Taliban Ban
Five years after the Taliban outlawed education for girls past sixth grade, underground networks of home-based classes and backroom sewing lessons continue to operate in Afghanistan. UNESCO reports that nearly 2.4 million girls are excluded from secondary education under the regime. Despite sweeping bans on higher education and employment, Afghan women maintain clandestine classes to teach English and math, preparing students for a future where public participation may return.
Why it matters
The Taliban reclaimed power five years ago, immediately halting education for girls over the age of 12 with no exceptions. The ban has driven instruction into hidden networks, including clandestine schools and the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, which relocated its boarding school operations to Rwanda under founder Shabana Basij-Rasikh. Meanwhile, the United States State Department stated that the Taliban made no meaningful effort to combat human trafficking in 2026, leaving the country in the lowest tier of its annual report.
What is confirmed
- It has been five years since the Taliban outlawed women's education beyond sixth grade.
- Nearly 2.4 million girls remain excluded from secondary education in Afghanistan according to UNESCO.
- The US State Department says the Taliban made no meaningful effort to combat human trafficking in 2026, placing Afghanistan in the lowest tier of its annual report.
Still unconfirmed
- Secret home-based schools are preparing Afghan girls for a future in which women can once again participate in public life.
What to watch next
- Further updates from UNESCO on secondary and higher education exclusion figures
- Changes to the US State Department human trafficking tiers regarding Afghanistan
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.timesnownews.com — Malala Yousafzai Survived a Taliban Bullet At 15, But Her Journey Was Far From Over | Times Now
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Afghanistan's Secret Schools for Girls Continue Amid Taliban Rule
Afghan girls are pursuing education through secret home-based and online classes, bypassing the Taliban's ban on secondary and higher education. The Taliban have outlawed schooling for girls after sixth grade and expanded religious madrasas. Despite this, women continue to access knowledge through clandestine networks as the regime revises the national curriculum.
Why it matters
The Taliban's restrictions on girls' education have been in place since their takeover of Afghanistan. The regime's efforts to align the national curriculum with its ideology have raised concerns about the future of education for Afghan girls. The secret schools are a testament to the resilience of Afghan women and girls who are determined to pursue their education.
What is confirmed
- Gloria Steinem, a prominent voice for the women's movement, died in September 2026.
- The US military plans to execute Nidal Hasan by firing squad in December at Fort Hood.
Still unconfirmed
- Afghan youth abroad are teaching girls within the country English and digital skills.
What to watch next
- The Taliban's response to the secret schools for girls
- The impact of the secret schools on Afghan girls' education
- The revision of the national curriculum by the Taliban regime
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
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Afghan Girls' Secret Schools Defy Taliban Education Ban
Afghan girls are bypassing the Taliban's ban on secondary and higher education through secret home-based and online classes. The Taliban have outlawed schooling for girls after sixth grade and expanded religious madrasas. Women continue to pursue knowledge through clandestine networks as the regime revises the national curriculum to align with its ideology.
Why it matters
The Taliban's systematic overhaul of education is managed directly by the supreme leader, with textbooks up to eighth grade already updated. This development has significant implications for the future of education in Afghanistan, particularly for girls.
What is confirmed
- The Taliban have outlawed schooling for girls after sixth grade.
- The Taliban have expanded religious madrasas ninefold.
- Afghan girls are establishing secret home-based and online classes to bypass the Taliban's ban on secondary and higher education.
What to watch next
- The Taliban's recognition and investment from abroad
- The impact of the revised national curriculum on girls' education
- The future of the clandestine networks of secret schools
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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Afghan Girls Establish Secret Schools Amid Taliban Education Bans
Afghan girls are bypassing Taliban bans on secondary and higher education by establishing secret home-based and online classes. While the Taliban have outlawed schooling for girls after sixth grade and expanded religious madrasas ninefold, women continue to pursue knowledge through these clandestine networks. The regime is currently revising the national curriculum for grades 1-12 to align with its ideology, with textbooks up to eighth grade already updated. This systematic overhaul of education is managed directly by the Taliban supreme leader.
Why it matters
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, leading to a severe crackdown on women's rights and education. These restrictions have drawn international condemnation but have resulted in few tangible consequences for the regime.
What is confirmed
- The Taliban outlawed education for girls after sixth grade.
- The Taliban have expanded religious seminaries known as madrasas ninefold.
- The regime has revised school textbooks up to the eighth grade.
- The Taliban supreme leader controls education policy and the curriculum.
Still unconfirmed
- The revised curriculum for grades 1-12 will be completed within months.
- The Taliban have reintroduced corporal punishment in schools.
What to watch next
- Approval and implementation of the revised grade 9-12 curriculum by the supreme leader
- International response to the continued ban on female secondary education
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
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Afghan Cyclist Wins Asian Games Silver After Evading Taliban
Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi secured a silver medal at the Asian Games following a journey that involved disguising herself as a man to escape street attacks under Taliban rule. Hashimi expressed hope that her podium finish will inspire the next generation of women to chase their dreams without fear. This athletic achievement adds to the ongoing resistance by Afghan women against strict bans and persecution enforced by the fundamentalist regime.
Why it matters
Female athletes and students in Afghanistan face severe restrictions on education, careers, and public life under fundamentalist rule. Clandestine classrooms and artificial intelligence initiatives previously emerged as the sole alternatives for barred students. Athletic achievements like Hashimi's podium finish highlight persistent individual resistance despite systematic oppression.
What is confirmed
- Fariba Hashimi won a silver medal at the Asian Games.
- Fariba Hashimi previously disguised herself as a man to evade Taliban street attacks.
Still unconfirmed
- US Inc. has dissolved due to bankruptcy and a new United States of America Republic is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, under a gold-backed US Note.
What to watch next
- Whether additional Afghan female athletes secure international competition spots
- Further developments regarding the enforcement of bans on women in sports and education
confidence 50%Sources used for this update (5)
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Secret Schools for Girls Continue Despite Bans
Adolescent girls in Kabul continue to access education through clandestine basement classrooms and artificial intelligence initiatives led by Roya Mahboob, serving as the sole alternative for students barred by the fundamentalist regime. Families and teachers coordinate to supply resources while students use handwritten letters to demand international attention in direct defiance of the strict ban on female schooling under Taliban rule. These underground learning spaces represent an ongoing effort to bypass strict restrictions on professional careers, universities, and secondary education.
Why it matters
The fundamentalist regime enforces strict prohibitions against secondary and university education for women across the country. Clandestine educational networks rely on community coordination and emerging technology to preserve learning opportunities for female students. These hidden classrooms highlight the persistent struggle for basic rights and academic access under severe political constraints.
What to watch next
- Further developments in underground educational methods and artificial intelligence integration for female students
- Responses from international bodies regarding handwritten appeals from Kabul students
- Enforcement actions by the fundamentalist regime against clandestine learning centers
confidence 50%Sources used for this update (7)
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Afghan Girls Maintain Secret Education via AI and Clandestine Classrooms
Adolescent girls in Kabul continue to access education through clandestine basement classrooms and artificial intelligence initiatives led by Roya Mahboob. These underground centers serve as the only alternative for female students barred from universities, professional careers, and secondary education by the fundamentalist regime. Families and teachers coordinate to supply resources to these hidden spaces, while students use handwritten letters to request international attention. These efforts represent a direct defiance of the strict ban on female schooling under Taliban rule.
Why it matters
The Taliban regime has implemented a systemic ban on formal education for women and girls. This has created a critical void in secondary and higher education, forcing students into high-risk, unofficial learning environments.
What to watch next
- Evidence of increased regime crackdowns on basement classrooms
- Expansion of AI-driven educational tools for female students
- International policy shifts regarding the Taliban's education ban
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
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Roya Mahboob Fights Taliban Education Bans with AI
Roya Mahboob is fighting the fundamentalist regime's strict ban on female schooling by deploying artificial intelligence initiatives to aid girls' education under Taliban rule. Adolescent students across Kabul continue to rely on clandestine basement classrooms as the sole alternative to formal learning. Families and teachers coordinate to maintain these hidden educational spaces and supply resources, while young women appeal for international attention through handwritten letters. These underground centers remain critical for female students barred from secondary education, universities, and professional careers.
Why it matters
The fundamentalist regime's ban on female schooling has forced teenage girls out of formal education systems entirely. Clandestine basement schools and community coordination serve as the only lifeline for adolescents seeking learning opportunities. Advocacy efforts by figures like Roya Mahboob aim to leverage technology to counteract these severe educational restrictions.
What is confirmed
- Roya Mahboob is fighting for girls' education under Taliban rule using artificial intelligence.
What to watch next
- Further developments on how artificial intelligence initiatives are implemented for underground learning
- Updates on the operation and safety of clandestine basement schools in Kabul
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
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No New Developments Reported on Secret Schools for Girls in Afghanistan
There are no fresh updates regarding the clandestine basement schools operating for teenage girls in Kabul. Adolescent students continue to rely on these hidden educational spaces as the sole alternative to formal learning following the fundamentalist regime's ban on female schooling. Families and teachers coordinate to maintain the classrooms and supply resources, while students appeal for international attention through handwritten letters. These underground centers remain critical for young women barred from secondary education, universities, and professional careers under current laws.
Why it matters
The underground education network arose as a direct response to fundamentalist restrictions barring females from formal classrooms and professional life. Families and teachers risk severe consequences to sustain these clandestine learning hubs across the capital. International advocacy depends heavily on the intermittent messages smuggled out by the affected teenagers.
What to watch next
- Any official policy shifts by the fundamentalist regime regarding female education
- New appeals or documentation emerging from underground classrooms
confidence 0%Sources used for this update (7)
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No New Developments Reported for Kabul Secret Schools
There are no new updates regarding the clandestine schools for girls in Kabul. Previous reports confirmed that teenage girls continue their education in basement classrooms despite the Taliban ban on female schooling. These students have used handwritten letters to appeal for international support, while families and teachers provide the necessary assistance to maintain these secret learning centers. These classrooms serve as the primary educational alternative for adolescents currently barred from universities, secondary schools, and professional careers by the fundamentalist regime.
Why it matters
The Taliban's ban on female education isolates millions of Afghan girls from formal schooling. Secret schools represent a grassroots resistance effort to preserve literacy and professional potential. This struggle occurs against a backdrop of severe restrictions on women's rights across Afghanistan.
What to watch next
- Reports of increased Taliban crackdowns on basement schools
- Evidence of international aid reaching clandestine educators
- Official changes to the Taliban's ban on secondary education for girls
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Afghan Girls Defy Taliban in Secret Basement Schools
Teenage girls in Kabul continue their education in a clandestine basement school despite a draconian Taliban ban on female schooling. During a rare visit, CBS News received handwritten letters from the students appealing for the global community to hear the voices of Afghan women and girls. Fathers, teachers, and families are quietly aiding this resistance by helping girls keep learning. These secret classrooms offer a vital lifeline for adolescents barred from secondary schools, universities, and professional careers under the fundamentalist regime.
Why it matters
The Taliban continue to enforce strict prohibitions against female education beyond the primary level, locking millions of girls out of the formal school system. Despite heavy international pressure and condemnation, the regime maintains these restrictions without facing significant global costs. This ongoing struggle highlights local defiance as communities quietly risk punishment to preserve educational access.
What is confirmed
- Teenage girls are studying in a secret basement school in Kabul in defiance of the Taliban regime.
- Students at the secret school handed CBS News handwritten letters appealing to the world.
- Fathers, teachers, and families are quietly helping girls keep learning despite the Taliban ban.
What to watch next
- Whether international actors impose new costs or measures on the Taliban regime to address the educational ban.
- Any official Taliban response to the continued operation of secret underground schools for girls.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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Afghan Girls Defy Ban with Secret Studies and Letters
Twenty-one Afghan girls defying the Taliban ban on female education have shared letters detailing their hopes for an ordinary life. Afghan girls remain barred from education beyond the sixth grade, which blocks their entry into secondary schools and universities and prevents most professional careers. Although secret schools offer a way around these restrictions, the Taliban refuse to lift the ban despite heavy international pressure. A United Nations special rapporteur previously stated that the Taliban ignore global red lines because international condemnation has not imposed significant costs on the regime.
Why it matters
The prohibition on education enforces severe restrictions on female participation in Afghan society. International bodies struggle to influence the regime because diplomatic pressure has failed to alter domestic policy. Secret educational networks represent a dangerous form of resistance for students seeking to preserve their academic futures.
What is confirmed
- Twenty-one Afghan girls defying the Taliban have handed over letters containing their dreams for an ordinary life.
- Afghan girls remain prohibited from receiving education beyond the sixth grade.
- The education ban prevents girls from attending secondary schools and universities and blocks access to most professional careers.
- UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett previously noted that the Taliban ignore global red lines because international condemnation has not resulted in significant costs for the regime.
What to watch next
- Potential responses from international organizations regarding the letters from Afghan students
- Any shifts in Taliban enforcement or policy concerning secret educational networks
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
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Taliban Education Bans Continue to Block Afghan Girls from Secondary Schooling
Afghan girls remain prohibited from receiving education beyond the sixth grade. This ban prevents them from attending secondary schools and universities, effectively blocking access to most professional careers. While some girls utilize secret schools to circumvent these restrictions, the Taliban maintain the prohibition despite international pressure. UN special rapporteur Richard Bennett previously noted that the Taliban ignore global red lines because international condemnation has not resulted in significant costs for the regime.
Why it matters
The education ban is part of a broader human rights crisis under Taliban rule. This systemic exclusion limits the future economic and social potential of half the population. Ongoing volatility in the security environment further complicates efforts to provide clandestine schooling.
What is confirmed
- Girls are banned from education beyond the sixth grade.
- The education ban excludes girls from universities and secondary schools.
What to watch next
- Evidence of increased international sanctions targeting the Taliban education policy
- Reports on the scale and reach of secret school networks
- Official policy shifts from the Taliban regarding secondary education
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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UN Expert Warns Taliban Face No Consequences for Human Rights Violations
United Nations special rapporteur Richard Bennett stated Monday that the Taliban continue to cross global red lines because international condemnation carries little cost. This assessment follows a period of escalating human rights and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. While girls use secret schools to bypass education bans, the broader security environment remains volatile. Recent reports indicate a rise in violent crimes and mysterious killings across the country, including a recent death in Zabul province.
Why it matters
The Taliban have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, forcing education underground. This systemic oppression coincides with widespread hunger, child labor, and forced marriages.
What is confirmed
- Richard Bennett is the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban have faced an escalating human rights, humanitarian, and economic crisis.
Still unconfirmed
- A young man was found dead in Zabul province amid a rise in mysterious killings.
What to watch next
- Evidence of international sanctions or diplomatic actions following Bennett's warning
- Reports on the scale of underground school networks
- Official Taliban responses to the Zabul province death
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
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Afghan Women and Children Face Deepening Crisis Under Taliban Rule
Afghan women and girls continue to endure severe restrictions under Taliban rule, with education bans driving students into secret underground schools and online classes to escape total isolation. According to United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett, children and young people bear the brunt of an escalating human rights, humanitarian, and economic crisis characterized by widespread hunger, child labor, and forced marriages. Meanwhile, local sources report that Taliban authorities closed roughly one hundred shops in the Jebrail district of Herat province due to a land ownership dispute, detaining three residents.
Why it matters
Five years after the return of the Taliban, restrictive decrees have effectively barred women and girls from schools, universities, and public parks while requiring a male guardian for long-distance travel. United Nations reports warn that these systemic policies threaten the future of an entire generation, eroding child-protection mechanisms and fueling extremist grooming. Local economic stability also faces mounting pressure as authorities enforce commercial closures over real estate disputes.
What is confirmed
- Taliban authorities closed around 100 shops in the Jebrail district of Herat province following a land ownership dispute.
- Three residents were arrested in connection with the shop closures in Herat province.
- United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett warned that children and young people are suffering from a deepening human rights and humanitarian crisis under Taliban rule.
Still unconfirmed
- Ayesha attends a secret school six days a week to avoid total isolation under Taliban rule.
What to watch next
- Further United Nations findings or international responses to the human rights report
- Developments regarding the land ownership dispute and shop closures in Herat's Jebrail district
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
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Afghanistan's Secret Schools for Girls Continue Amid Taliban Restrictions
Afghan girls' education faces ongoing challenges under Taliban rule, with restrictions hampering humanitarian efforts and aid access. Despite this, some schools have reopened abroad, and virtual classrooms have been organized internationally. The situation remains volatile, with concerns over rising malnutrition and human rights abuses.
Why it matters
The Taliban's ban on female education and restrictions on humanitarian aid have significantly impacted Afghanistan. The international community has expressed concern over the treatment of women and girls, with some accusing the Taliban of committing crimes against humanity. The situation has led to a rise in malnutrition and other health issues.
What is confirmed
- The Taliban's restrictions on female education and humanitarian aid have led to a volatile operational environment for aid agencies in Afghanistan.
- Malnutrition cases in Kandahar Province have risen by 30 percent compared to the previous year, according to MSF.
- The EU's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Diké Poudzel, stated that the Taliban may have committed crimes against humanity through their treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan.
What to watch next
- Further developments on the Taliban's treatment of women and girls
- Updates on the situation with Afghan girls' education
- Humanitarian response and aid access in Afghanistan
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
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Afghan Girls School Reopens in Rwanda as Domestic Bans Persist
An Afghan girls school has reopened in Rwanda following a ban on female education enforced by the Taliban. Previously, staff evacuated the original institution and burned student names, stories, and identities to protect them from authorities. Meanwhile, domestic restrictions continue to hamper humanitarian efforts inside Afghanistan, where aid access remains volatile due to ongoing bans on female workers. Students have attempted to bypass domestic limitations through virtual classrooms organized internationally, even as the broader operational environment for humanitarian agencies faces severe disruptions.
Why it matters
The closure of domestic education for girls under Taliban rule has forced institutions to relocate abroad and learners to seek alternatives online. These educational restrictions coincide with broader pressures on humanitarian operations and female aid workers across the country. International observers and commentators note that twenty-five years after the onset of the War on Terror, the global footprint in the region continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of instability.
What is confirmed
- An Afghan girls school has reopened in Rwanda after a Taliban education ban.
What to watch next
- Further reports on the enrollment capacity and curriculum of the reopened school in Rwanda
- Updates from international aid organizations regarding female worker restrictions inside Afghanistan
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.dailymail.com — ANDREW NEIL: 25 years on from 9/11, America's $6TRILLION War on Terror has achieved little beyond stoking new forms of Islamist barbarity
- thekabultribune.com — Afghan Girls' School Reopens in Rwanda After Taliban Education Ban
- kabulnow.com — Taliban Arrest Man Suspected of Killing Wife and Infant Daughter in Eastern Afghanistan
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- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Bagalkot school ceiling collapse: Two engineers, HM suspended
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Canada-based virtual classrooms and UN aid cuts mark new Afghan education crisis
Afghan girls are accessing education through virtual classrooms organized in Canada as the United Nations reports a surge in humanitarian disruptions. In July, Taliban restrictions forced the temporary suspension of 18 aid programs. These limits on humanitarian access and women's participation continue to hinder the delivery of assistance nationwide. While students use online literature classes to bypass domestic bans, the operational environment for international aid remains volatile due to ongoing government restrictions on female workers and access.
Why it matters
The Taliban ban on formal education for women and girls has pushed learning into underground networks and overseas alternatives. This shift occurs as international groups struggle to maintain basic humanitarian services within the country.
What is confirmed
- The United Nations reported that Taliban restrictions led to the temporary suspension of 18 aid programs in Afghanistan during July.
- Ongoing limits on women's participation continue to disrupt the delivery of humanitarian assistance across Afghanistan.
Still unconfirmed
- Young women in Afghanistan are attending online literature classes via virtual classrooms organized in Canada.
What to watch next
- Further UN reports on the status of suspended aid programs
- Evidence of increased Taliban crackdowns on virtual learning tools
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
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- www.darpanmagazine.com — Virtual classrooms organized in Canada offer lifeline to girls under Taliban rule
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- kabulnow.com — Taliban Restrictions Force Suspension of 18 Aid Programs in Afghanistan in One Month, UN Says
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Afghanistan's Secret Schools for Girls Continue to Operate
The Taliban's ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan has led to the establishment of secret schools, providing an alternative educational setting for those barred from formal classrooms. These underground networks are crucial for students seeking education. International groups advocate for education rights, but the domestic environment remains restrictive. Save the Children reports increasing hardships for women and girls. A school for Afghan girls has now opened permanently in Rwanda.
Why it matters
The Taliban's restrictions on women's education have been in place since their takeover of Afghanistan. This has resulted in significant challenges for women and girls seeking education. The secret schools and the new school in Rwanda are attempts to circumvent these restrictions. The situation remains critical as the international community pushes for change.
What is confirmed
- The School of Leadership of Afghanistan has opened a permanent school in Rwanda.
- The Taliban's ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan has led to significant hardships.
- International groups, including Save the Children, continue to advocate for education rights in Afghanistan.
What to watch next
- Development of the secret schools in Afghanistan
- Reaction of the Taliban to the new school in Rwanda
- Progress on education rights advocacy
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
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- www.bostonherald.com — After fleeing Afghanistan to continue educating girls, SOLA opens a permanent school in Rwanda
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Lyse Doucet reports on clandestine girls schools in Afghanistan
Journalist Lyse Doucet has visited Afghanistan to report on secret schools for girls and conduct interviews with the Taliban. These underground networks serve as the primary educational alternative for students barred from formal classrooms. While international groups continue to advocate for education rights, the domestic environment remains restrictive, forcing women and girls to operate in hidden settings to avoid detection by authorities. Save the Children has previously noted that the ongoing ban on education is causing increasing hardships for women and girls across the country.
Why it matters
The Taliban banned girls from formal education following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan five years ago. Clandestine schools emerged as a survival mechanism to maintain literacy and learning. The persistence of these networks highlights the tension between Taliban restrictions and the local demand for education.
What is confirmed
- Women and girls in Afghanistan operate clandestine schools to bypass Taliban education restrictions.
- Save the Children reports that women and girls face increasing hardships due to the education ban.
- Lyse Doucet visited Afghanistan and spoke to the Taliban five years after the US pullout.
What to watch next
- Official Taliban responses to the existence of secret schools
- Reports on the scale of student enrollment in clandestine networks
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
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Secret Schools Emerge as Afghan Girls Face Education Ban
Afghan girls and women are operating clandestine schools to bypass Taliban restrictions on education. These secret networks provide a primary alternative for students who have been barred from formal classrooms. Save the Children reports that women and girls in Afghanistan face increasing hardships as the ban persists. While some international communities hold events to support the right to education, the domestic situation remains restrictive, forcing students to seek learning opportunities in hidden settings to avoid detection by authorities.
Why it matters
The Taliban administration has implemented strict bans on female education beyond primary levels. This policy has led to a systemic collapse of formal schooling for girls across the country. Access to higher education is also being reshaped by these restrictive mandates.
Still unconfirmed
- Secret schools are operating within Afghanistan to provide education for girls.
- Save the Children states that Afghan women and girls face growing hardships.
What to watch next
- Official Taliban statements regarding the legality of home-based schooling.
- Reports on the scale and number of secret schools operating nationwide.
- International diplomatic efforts to restore formal education for girls.
confidence 60%Sources used for this update (8)
- The New York Times — Inside Afghanistan’s Secret Schools for Girls
- Eurasia Review — Afghanistan’s Appeal To The World – OpEd
- 8AM Media — Five Years Ago, I Was in Fifth Grade
- Inside Higher Ed — How the Taliban Is Reshaping Afghan Higher Ed (opinion)
- thekabultribune.com — Afghan Women and Girls Face Growing Hardships, Save the Children Says
- frequencynews.ca — Pickering Hosts Walk in Support of Afghan Girls’ Right to Education
- The News Pakistan — Uniting for justice
- 8AM Media — 1,825 Days Without School
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