Taliban Education Minister: "Women's Higher Education Possible... Coeducation Prohibited"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The Minister of Higher Education of the Afghan Taliban interim government stated that women must attend classes in gender-segregated classrooms.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 12th, Abdul Baqi Hakani, Minister of Higher Education, said at a press conference that "women can receive not only university education but also post-graduate education," but emphasized that "we will not allow male and female students to study together," firmly banning coeducation.

Minister Hakani also added that women must wear hijabs. However, he did not specify whether he meant the narrow definition of hijab that allows the face to be shown or the broader Islamic clothing. He also did not mention whether the niqab or burqa, which cover the entire face, are mandatory. The niqab covers the entire body except for the eyes, while the burqa even covers the eye area with a mesh screen.

Hakani said he does not want to turn the clock back 20 years, stating, "We will start building on top of the current situation." He also mentioned that university curricula will be reviewed but did not provide specific details.

Earlier this month, the Taliban education authorities announced dress codes and class formats for women attending private universities. They ordered women attending private universities to wear abayas and niqabs. The abaya is a long black cloak covering from the neck to the feet, excluding the face. Classes were also to be conducted separately by gender, and if that was not feasible, at least curtains should be used to separate male and female students.

During their previous five-year rule (1996?2001), the Taliban severely oppressed women's rights. Women were deprived of educational and employment opportunities, were not allowed to go outside without a burqa, and forced marriages were widespread.

After regaining power on the 15th of last month, the Taliban issued conciliatory messages promising to "respect women's rights," but have since revealed their true nature by firing on female protesters, drawing criticism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.