The International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities was convened as part of a global effort to address the educational challenges faced by girls, particularly in conflict-affected regions, including Afghanistan.
The conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including governments, Islamic scholars, international organizations & educational advocates, to discuss & promote girls’ education in underserved areas.
Core Issues
Key discussions focused on:
– Scholarships and Financial Support
Efforts to increase scholarships for girls from marginalized communities, ensuring that financial barriers are not an obstacle to education.
-Infrastructural Development
Investment in schools, especially in rural and conflict zones, to make education more accessible.
– Tailored Educational Programs
Creating educational curricula and programs that are culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, and tailored to the needs of girls in these regions.
– Islamic Commitment to Education
Scholars referred to the Charter of Makkah emphasizing that Islam upholds education as a fundamental right, including for girls, challenging interpretations that restrict access to education.
The conference called global stakeholders to unite. It urged them to create solutions to reverse the alarming trends of girls being excluded from education. This is particularly important in conflict zones.
![[Photo by SPA]](https://pkafgyouthforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GhKrOe3WoAAHtxt.webp)
Afghanistan’s Education Crisis
International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities highlighted a stark contrast between the global aspirations for girls’ education and the reality in Afghanistan under the IEA.
While the international community, particularly Muslim-majority nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, have increasingly supported progressive educational initiatives for girls, Afghanistan remains a critical outlier.
The IEA’s policies, which limit girls’ access to education, stand in direct opposition to the commitments made by Muslim scholars during the conference, which reiterated that Islam promotes education for all. The refusal of the IEA to align with these values has deep implications, not only for the future of girls in Afghanistan but also for the country’s overall stability.
![[Photo by SPA]](https://pkafgyouthforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GhKsnVgXYAAwnez.webp)
Also See: Empowering the Future – Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities
Global Isolation Under the IEA
Under the IEA’s rule, Afghanistan has regressed socially, economically & politically. The exclusion of girls from education further marginalizes them, perpetuates gender inequality & hinders the country’s long-term development.
In contrast, the international Muslim community, through initiatives from countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, has shown a strong commitment to fostering educational opportunities for girls, especially in conflict zones.
However, the ongoing governance issues in Afghanistan, coupled with the IEA’s isolationist stance, pose significant obstacles to global efforts. The refusal of Afghanistan to participate in the conference further solidified its position of non-engagement with the international community, perpetuating its isolation and preventing it from benefiting from global collaboration in addressing its crisis.

IEA’s Absence at Girls’ Education Conference
Global strides are being made to ensure girls’ education in conflict zones. However, the IEA’s regressive policies continue to hinder progress in Afghanistan. Despite receiving an invitation, Afghanistan did not participate in the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities. This absence was a striking omission. It further reflects the IEA’s reluctance to engage with the global community on critical issues.
Without a change in governance, particularly a shift toward inclusivity and modernity, the future of Afghan girls and the country’s stability remain in jeopardy. The international community must continue to pressure the IEA to prioritize education and engage in dialogue to ensure a more stable and inclusive future for Afghanistan.

PAYF Insights are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for wider consumption.