KABUL (SW) – After the de-facto government assumed power in Afghanistan, schools for female students above the sixth grade have been closed until further notice by Hebatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate. Over this period, female students in Afghanistan have successfully completed the sixth grade in three rounds, but they have been unable to continue their studies beyond this level.
Salam Watandar interviewed 23 female students who have completed the 6th grade. Of them, 19 express disappointment over the prospect of their education remaining incomplete, while the remaining four express hope that schools will reopen for them. All 23 female students collectively appealed to the de-facto government to open the gates of the schools.
Nine-year-old Hasenat, 13-year-old Setayesh, and 10-year-old Masiha, recent graduates of their annual exams at ‘Zarghuna High School’ in Kabul city, share their dreams of achieving greatness and fame since the beginning of their school journey. However, the restriction preventing girls above the sixth grade from attending school has left them uncertain about their future.
Hasenat says: “They are all sad, the Islamic Emirate only allows boys to study. I want to become a doctor; because in our country, most people don’t observe hygiene.”
Setaish also says: “I wanted to become a good doctor in the future, I wanted to serve my country, but everything is closed for girls, my family wishes for me to study so much, become a doctor, and serve my country.”
On the other hand, the students interviewed in this report express that upon completing the sixth grade; they currently lack a specific plan for the upcoming year.
Naziya, a student at Rahman Mina High School in Kabul city, says: “I want the government to open schools so that girls can study.”
Meanwhile, four other students are hopeful for the reopening of their schools, mentioning that they have heard indications that schools will be opened for all girls at the beginning of the new academic year.
Rayhan, a 12-year-old graduate of the sixth grade from Bibi Rabia Girls’ High School, remains optimistic about the prospect of schools reopening for girls. “My family encourages me to stay hopeful, and I am optimistic. I believe that if I become a housewife, I won’t progress. Opening schools is crucial for the progress of our country,” she said.
The interviewees in this report emphasize the necessity of continuing education for their personal growth and the advancement of society. All 23 female students interviewed, who recently completed the sixth grade, express a collective desire for the reopening of schools for girls.
Dunya, a student at Bibi Rabia Girls’ High School, says: “I ask the Islamic Emirate to open the schools.”
Zainab, a student at Zarghuneh High School, also says: “I want the government to open the schools; because everywhere, women are not allowed to go to male doctors, and female doctors are needed, and schools should be opened so that girls can study.”
“I am 11 years old and in the sixth grade. I want the schools to open and to study the seventh grade. “I want to become a doctor in the future,” said Basiya, a student at Bibi Rabia Girls’ High School.
Ayesha, a student at Zarghuna High School, also says: “I feel very bad that they do not let me in school. I pray that the schools will be opened for us so that we can complete the school.”
