THE Taliban government’s decision to exclude young women and girls from schools and institutions of higher learning is shameful and disappointing. Women in Afghanistan have been denied basic human rights such as access to formal education, the privilege to work and the right to determine their future. Since the ban was imposed, almost 850,000 to 1.1 million girls are not attending classes.  

According to the United Nations, almost 80% of Afghanistan’s economy is informal and dominated by women. By not educating them, there is little to no chance of economic recovery. 

Afghan women have also been banned from working with civil society organisations. The Islamist rulers justified this by saying that female workers broke dress codes by not wearing hijabs. This ongoing exclusion of women has no credible justification and no parallel anywhere in the world.  

Beyond making statements, the international community hasn’t taken any action to make the Taliban responsible for their misdeeds and unfulfilled promises. Instead, UN organisations have forbidden female employees from attending meetings with Taliban “ministers”.   

The international community needs strong leadership. World leaders must refuse to participate in any form of engagement that privileges Taliban over the rest of Afghan society. Sustained pressure will unavoidably guarantee women’s access to school, work, and freedom.  

Reversing the immense harm caused by decades of unsuccessful policies will take time and effort. But a good place to start is to transition to a government that empowers and celebrates women as nation builders in Afghanistan. – December 25, 2022.  

* Simraatraj Kaur Dhillon reads The Malaysian Insight. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.