Women's Education Questions Off-Limits, Says Taliban Minister

The Taliban's Minister of Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, has implied that questions regarding women's education, like the education itself, are "suspended until further notice."

During a press briefing in Kabul on Sunday, 25 August, Nadeem explained that discussing the issue is currently futile, as no satisfactory answers can be provided at this time.

Addressing the ongoing ban on women's education, Nadeem stated that those lacking religious authority should refrain from positioning themselves as scholars on the matter. "We have demonstrated that our decrees are in full accordance with Islam and Sharia law," the minister declared. He further emphasised that the Taliban's policies on women's education are not in conflict with "Islamic laws and Afghan traditions."

Nadeem acknowledged that the issue is complex and sensitive, making immediate decisions difficult. He mentioned that religious scholars are currently examining the matter, and if it is determined that women's education is permissible under specific conditions, the ban may be lifted. Otherwise, the suspension will remain in place.

The minister also challenged religious scholars to prove, under the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, that women's education is permissible, stating that the issue would be resolved if such proof were found. He referenced the Taliban leader's stance, asserting that "the ruler is bound by Sharia, and we are servants of Sharia; whatever Sharia decides will be implemented."

It has now been three years since the Taliban closed schools for girls above sixth grade. The Taliban have banned women's education "until further notice" and, in response to international criticism, insisted that the matter is an "internal affair of Afghanistan." They have repeatedly stated that international organisations and foreign governments have no right to interfere in this issue.

Previously, on 4 July, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo remarked that human rights and girls' education in Afghanistan are not solely domestic concerns, as the country is bound by international obligations.