Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghan girls have been systematically barred from attending school. Denied access to both secondary and higher education, millions of young women face a future devoid of educational opportunities. In response to this ban, some have taken on the challenge through online courses or secret classes, despite the inherent risks and obstacles.
A generation denied education
Today, Afghanistan stands as the only country in the world where education beyond primary school is prohibited for girls. At just 12 years old, students are forced to leave school. According to UNESCO, over 2.2 million girls are affected by this ruling, representing a significant regression from the educational advancements made between 2001 and 2021.
This exclusion has dire consequences: isolation, early marriage, economic dependence, and a loss of autonomy. Adolescent girls are often confined to their homes, reduced to domestic duties. Their fundamental right to education is denied, shattering the hopes of an entire generation.
Online learning as refuge
In light of this harsh reality, networks for distance learning are emerging clandestinely. Afghan women who have sought refuge abroad, notably in France and Canada, are organizing virtual courses in subjects such as programming, languages, and history. Students log in with pseudonyms and with cameras turned off, living in a constant state of fear of being recognized.
The limited and unstable internet access in many regions further complicates this educational endeavor. Yet, these courses provide a lifeline for those unwilling to abandon their dreams. As one professor quoted by Courrier International states, “it is a form of silent resistance.”
Secret classes on the ground
Meanwhile, NGOs such as Femaid are holding in-person classes at undisclosed locations. The organization provides secondary education for girls aged 11 to 18 years. The female instructors, often themselves at risk, teach in private homes or concealed venues.
These initiatives allow a few hundred students to continue their education, though they remain limited in scope. The threat of arrest looms large for both teachers and students. Nevertheless, these courses provide structure, hope, and dignity to those who participate.
A global fight for the right to education
UNESCO, UNICEF, and other international organizations are denouncing this exclusion and calling for support for local initiatives. For these organizations, this issue transcends education—it’s about fundamental human rights. Access to knowledge is critical for autonomy, health, and the economic development of societies.
Educational media outlets are also contributing to this effort by disseminating content tailored to young Afghan women. However, these alternatives cannot replace equitable and secure access to school for all.
Resisting through knowledge
In a country where studying can be an act of rebellion, thousands of girls continue to learn in secret across Afghanistan. Through online classes and underground schools, they embody a quiet yet determined form of resistance. These fragile initiatives serve as a poignant reminder that no oppression can completely extinguish the thirst for knowledge.
Without sustainable support for these alternatives, an entire generation risks growing up in the shadows, deprived of its future. Education is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right that must be defended, everywhere and for everyone.
