Welcome to Pak Afghan Youth Forum

Pak Afghan
Youth Forum

Don't just dream it
Be the bridge. Build a better tomorrow

What is the Current State of Education in Afghanistan Under IEA Rule?

Education in Afghanistan has undergone significant challenges since the IEA taken control in August 2021. Four years into this regime, the educational landscape has been deeply affected by policies that restrict access, particularly for girls.

Let’s give deep into the current scenario

Current Enrollment Statistics

Recent data indicates a drastic decline in school enrollment since the IEA’s takeover. Approximately 3.7 million children remain out of school, with 60% of them being girls. The overall number of students attending primary education has dropped from 6.8 million in 2019 to 5.7 million in 2022. This decline underscores the impact of restrictive policies, particularly on girls, who have faced systematic barriers to education since the imposition of IEA rule in Afghanistan.

Recent data indicates a drastic decline in school enrollment since the IEA's takeover
Recent data indicates a drastic decline in school enrollment since the IEA’s takeover

Policies Affecting Girls’ Education

The education policy under the IEA strictly prohibits females from attending secondary and higher education, effectively banning education for women & girls beyond the sixth grade. This policy has resulted in 1.4 million Afghan girls currently being denied access to secondary education, a number that continues to rise as more girls age into the ban.

The education policy under the IEA strictly prohibits females from attending secondary and higher education
The education policy under the IEA strictly prohibits females from attending secondary and higher education

Moreover, the educational environment has become increasingly hostile; girls are not only barred from attending schools but are also denied opportunities for voice & participation in society, which many Muslim scholars have condemned as contradicting the essence of Islamic teaching regarding education for all in a recent International Education Conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Many muslim scholars condemned Afghanistan's policy regarding women's education in a recent International Education Conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan
Many muslim scholars condemned Afghanistan’s policy regarding women’s education in a recent International Education Conference held in Islamabad, Pakistan

Also See: OIC Summit in Islamabad to Address Women’s Education in Islam

Student Migration for Educational Opportunities

Faced with these oppressive educational restrictions, a growing number of Afghan students, particularly female students, are considering leaving for academic opportunities abroad. Reports indicate that over 40,000 Afghans are actively seeking resettlement, with significant numbers specifically aiming for educational opportunities.

Over 40,000 Afghans are actively seeking resettlement, with significant numbers specifically aiming for educational opportunities
Over 40,000 Afghans are actively seeking resettlement, with significant numbers specifically aiming for educational opportunities

Scholarships Offered to Afghan Students

In an effort to support Afghan students who have been affected by these harsh educational policies, several regional & global initiatives have emerged to offer scholarships. Currently, there are reports indicating over 643 scholarships available for Afghan students, with various programs focusing on undergraduate, master’s & doctoral studies in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia & several European nations.

Initiatives like the East-West Center’s Education for Afghanistan platform also aim to bridge educational gaps by providing digital learning opportunities, particularly focusing on female students who have been systematically excluded from formal education.

Pakistan also continues to support Afghanistan’s future through education! Under the Allama Iqbal Scholarship Program 4,500 scholarships will be awarded to Afghan students over the next three years.

This initiative enables Afghan students to study at Pakistan’s top-ranked universities, fostering academic excellence and strengthening ties between the two nations.

Pakistan also continues to support Afghanistan's future through education
Pakistan also continues to support Afghanistan’s future through education

The current educational landscape in Afghanistan illustrates a critical predicament fueled by restrictive policies under the IEA. With significant declines in enrollment, particularly among girls, combined with the burgeoning trend of students seeking educational opportunities abroad, the stakes for Afghanistan’s future remain high.

International support through scholarships and alternative educational programs is crucial in addressing these challenges and potentially restoring the educational rights of Afghan women & girls.

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

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top