On February 11, the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’, UNAMA called for the ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade to be lifted.
On its X account on Wednesday, February 11, UNAMA said that after 1,607 days of girls’ schools above sixth grade being closed, it is marking the day with “sorrow.” The office added that more than four years of lost opportunities and a bleak future have resulted from the exclusion of women and girls from vital sectors.
The European Union also called for special attention to girls’ and women’s education, stressing that they must be at the center of efforts. The EU said that from nurses and midwives to researchers, women play a vital role in building a healthy and progressive society. It added that, together with its partners, it continues to support education for all in Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stressed the need to create opportunities for girls and women worldwide to pursue their goals in science. He said that equality in science and education is key to human progress and development.
Since August 2021, girls have been banned from studying beyond the sixth grade. The restriction has gradually expanded to other areas of education, and more than four years later, it still remains in place.
In December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly designated February 11 as the ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ to recognize the vital role of women and girls in science and technology.
