EU Condemns Taliban’s Ban on Medical Education for Women in Afghanistan

The European Union condemned the Taliban on Wednesday after reports emerged that the group’s leader had ordered the closure of medical courses for women and girls in Afghanistan, including nursing and midwifery programs. The Taliban has not officially confirmed the order, nor have they responded to media reports.

This move follows a series of restrictions on women’s education by the Taliban, including the suspension of schooling for girls beyond grade six in 2021 and a ban on university education for women in December 2022. Medical education had remained one of the few pathways for women to continue their studies.

According to reports from institutions across Afghanistan, female students training to be midwives and nurses were told not to return to classes. The EU expressed strong concerns, calling the decision a “grave violation” of human rights and a severe blow to women’s access to education. The statement warned that the move would worsen Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The World Health Organization also voiced concerns over the long-term implications for healthcare, especially the training of female health workers in Afghanistan, which could result in increased maternal and child mortality rates. Afghan health officials warned that if the suspension of medical education becomes permanent, the country would face a significant shortage of qualified female healthcare professionals.

Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan joined calls for the Taliban to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the critical need for female doctors and nurses in the country. He highlighted that education, particularly in the medical field, is essential for the wellbeing of women in Afghanistan.