Afghanistan: "Life was so beautiful when I would go to school"
Dec 30, 2024
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The podcast delves into the harrowing impact of the Taliban's return on women's education in Afghanistan. A poignant personal account uncovers the despair felt by a young woman who has lost her last chance at formal education. The emotional journey of navigating dreams amidst oppressive circumstances is highlighted, along with the healing power of poetry as an expression of struggle and resilience. The conversation reflects on the stark transition from hope to helplessness, capturing both individual and societal challenges.
The Taliban's ban on women's access to education, including midwifery courses, reflects a broader agenda to suppress female participation in Afghan society.
Despite overwhelming barriers and emotional turmoil, young Afghan women continue to cling to their dreams of education and empowerment, exemplifying resilience.
Deep dives
The Impact of Taliban Rule on Women's Education
After the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan, significant restrictions on women's education were quickly enforced, culminating in a systematic stripping away of rights. Initially, girls were segregated in classrooms and subsequently barred from secondary education and universities. The only educational pathway remaining for women was midwifery, which, even later, was rescinded by the Taliban. This series of events dramatically altered the lives of young women, reflecting a broader agenda to suppress female participation in society and education.
Personal Stories of Resilience and Dreams
A young woman recounted her life before the Taliban's return, filled with hope and ambition, aspiring to become a governor to effect change in her country. Her dreams, supported by her mother, stood in stark contrast to the oppressive environment that followed the Taliban's rise. The persistence of her dreams offered a glimpse into the resilience of Afghan girls, who clung to the hope of education and empowerment despite seeming insurmountable barriers. However, the emotional toll of the subsequent restrictions led to mental health challenges, showcasing the struggle to maintain aspirations in a climate of fear and despair.
The Heartbreak of Lost Opportunities
The ban on midwifery studies devastated the hopes of many young women who viewed this as their last educational opportunity. For the young woman interviewed, realization of the ban felt like an erasure not only of her personal dreams but those of her entire family, who had invested their hopes in her education. This tragic turn of events highlighted the broader socio-political motives behind the Taliban's actions, which appeared intent on reducing women's roles to mere invisibility. Despite this heartbreaking news, she vowed to hold onto her dreams of education and empowerment, emphasizing a steadfast belief that change is still possible.
The Taliban's decision to ban women from attending midwifery and nursing courses ends their last hope of gaining an education. When the Taliban returned to take control of Afghanistan in 2021 it imposed a hardline vision of Islamic rule – but there was some hope, that perhaps, women and girls’ education would be spared. However, girls were soon barred from attending school and university - leaving only the option to attend nursing and midwifery courses. Now, that choice has been taken away, making Afghanistan the only country in the world that explicitly stops women from being educated.
On today's episode, Azadeh Moshiri speaks to a 20-year-old woman we are keeping unnamed to protect her safety. She was training to be a midwife and has now lost her last route to education.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Beth Timmins, Annie Brown and Alice Aylett Roberts
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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