The Taliban’s oppressive measures against women and girls in Afghanistan have intensified, with the regime now enforcing a total ban on female education and interaction with educational institutions. This alarming development highlights a significant shift towards more extreme gender repression, with critics warning that such actions may soon be classified as crimes against humanity by international legal authorities.
Total Ban on Female Education
In what is being described as the most severe decree yet from the Taliban government, Afghan women have been completely barred from access to schools and educational settings. This marks a troubling escalation in a series of repressive measures that have already rendered Afghanistan the only country globally where girls are excluded from secondary education. Currently, approximately 2.2 million girls are denied secondary schooling, while about 2.3 million primary-age children have ceased attending school altogether.
This crackdown reflects the ascendancy of the conservative Kandahar faction of the Taliban over more moderate voices within the government, signalling a decisive victory for supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s vision of a strictly controlled Islamic emirate. Women have faced increasing restrictions since the Taliban regained power in 2021, including bans on university education, most forms of employment, and even basic freedoms such as movement without a male guardian.
Diplomatic Miscalculations
The international community’s response to the Taliban’s escalating repression has been marked by troubling complacency. Major powers, including Russia, China, and India, have sought to re-establish diplomatic ties with the Taliban, often prioritising geopolitical interests over the urgent need to advocate for women’s rights. This diplomatic engagement appears to have emboldened the Taliban, leading to a belief among Afghan leaders that they can act without consequence.
In December 2025, the regime’s repression reached new heights when female journalist Nazira Rashidi was arrested in Kunduz for her activism. Similarly, Khadija Ahmadzada, a young woman running a sports gym for women, spent over a week in jail for violating the regime’s restrictive policies. These incidents underscore the deteriorating conditions for women and highlight the urgent need for international pressure on the Taliban to reverse their damaging policies.
The Internal Struggle Within the Taliban
The latest measures are also indicative of internal strife within the Taliban regarding the future of women’s rights and education. While some factions recognise the necessity of women’s participation in the economy, Akhundzada’s hardline stance dominates. His ideology is so extreme that it has led to incidents such as the approval of his son’s intention to become a suicide bomber. The tension within the regime was further exposed when former deputy foreign minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai fled the country after publicly condemning the treatment of women and arguing that denying education strays from religious principles.
Despite this internal conflict, the Taliban have remained resolute in their commitment to a vision of governance that excludes women from public life. The disturbing trend of increased repression can be traced back to a series of edicts that have systematically stripped women of their rights and freedoms.
The Path Forward for Women’s Rights
International efforts to hold the Taliban accountable for their treatment of women are gaining traction, with the United Nations advocating for a global treaty to classify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity. Recent developments at the ICC have led to arrest warrants for senior Taliban officials charged with gender-based persecution. However, these initiatives face significant obstacles due to the Taliban’s refusal to engage in discussions about women’s rights.
While some Afghan women have sought alternative means to pursue education, such as underground schooling or studying abroad, these efforts are fraught with danger. The regime’s refusal to acknowledge the importance of education for women poses a long-term threat to Afghanistan’s stability and development. With the country’s population exceeding 43 million and millions facing food insecurity, the consequences of denying half the population access to education will ultimately undermine the Taliban’s grip on power.
Why it Matters
The ongoing repression of women and girls in Afghanistan is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a profound threat to the nation’s future. By systematically denying educational opportunities to women, the Taliban jeopardises Afghanistan’s potential for economic growth and societal progress. The international community must recognise the gravity of this situation and leverage diplomatic relations to advocate for tangible reforms. Failure to do so risks normalising gender-based oppression, with dire consequences not only for Afghanistan but for global human rights standards.
