Taliban government in Afghanistan bans women from studying midwifery and nursing

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has barred women from pursuing education in health-related fields, including midwifery and nursing. The directive, announced during a meeting with heads of educational institutions in Kabul, has not been formally documented but is reportedly based on a decree from the Taliban’s supreme leader.

This decision has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, healthcare advocates, and international figures. Critics argue that the ban will further strain Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system, where women are often the only providers for female patients in rural areas. The country already struggles with high maternal and infant mortality rates, and this restriction is expected to worsen the crisis.

Prominent Afghan personalities, including cricketers Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, have publicly criticized the move. Rashid Khan called it “deeply disappointing” and emphasized that denying women access to healthcare education undermines society as a whole. Mohammad Nabi highlighted the negative impact on women and children who rely heavily on female healthcare workers.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on women, including banning secondary and higher education and barring them from most workplaces. The latest ban reflects a continued erosion of women’s rights under their rule.

By: Linda Akite