The Taliban has closed universities for women in Afghanistan. According to a letter from the education minister, women will no longer be allowed to attend the institutions.
The move is the latest blow to women's education in the country. Last year, girls and young women were banned from secondary schools after the Taliban took control of the country in a coupe.
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The news today (December 20) has brought some heavy criticism from commentators. Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative in Afghanistan, described the announcement as a 'dark day'.
Speaking to the M.E.N, she said: “Today is another dark day for Afghanistan. The Taliban's latest decision banning women from attending university is a direct attack on Afghanistan's future. The right to education for all must be restored immediately.”
Afghani and American actress, Azita Ghanizada, also tweeted about the move which she described as 'oppression' and said: "To be Afghan is to wake up daily with a punch in the heart. As expected #Taliban suspend University for women, leaving girls only 1-6th grade.
"And #congress omits the bipartisan bill that created a safe path for the Allies that fled last year. Starvation, indignity, oppression."
Just three months ago, thousands of women and girls sat education university entrance exams only to be told they will not be able to access higher education by the new rule. According to reports, restrictions have been made on the subjects they can study which include, veterinary science, engineering, economics and agriculture off limits and journalism severely restricted.
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Since the Taliban's takeover, universities in Afghanistan have introduced rules such as gender segregated classrooms and female students only being taught by women professors or old men. Back in November, women were also banned from parks in the capital Kabul with claims that Islamic laws were not being followed there.
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