An Uncertain Future for Girls in Afghanistan

On what was set to be a momentous day for Afghan women, the Taliban reversed a decision to allow girls to return to high school.

• Last August, the world watched in dismay as the Taliban took hold of Afghanistan. Since then, high schools have remained largely closed - facing an array of restrictions.
• Under Taliban rule in the 1990s, women were banned from an education. Wednesday was set to be a momentous day when girls could return to high school - however, things didn't work out as planned.
• In a turn of events, the decision to allow Afghan girls to return to high school was reversed. The Taliban quoted issues around the rules involving girls’ uniforms as reasons for backtracking.
• Taliban members have admitted privately that female education remains one of the most controversial issues amongst the hardline discussions and rulings.
• It has been suggested that the last-minute policy reversal displays divisions within the Taliban and highlights how disconnected from the wishes of modern Afghan society the leadership are.
• The news left many young women feeling devastated, as well as uncertain over the course of their future. The move left one girl asking “Is it a crime to be a girl? Is it a crime we want to study?"