Ministry of Higher Education managed by Taliban ordered them private universities in afghanistan prevent female students from taking entrance exams the following month, highlighting his policy of keeping women out of higher education.

The ministry’s letter was addressed to institutions in Afghanistan’s northern provinces, including Kabulwhere exams are due from the end of February. The letter stated that institutions that did not comply with the rules would face legal sanctions.

The Ministry of Higher Education in December urged universities not to allow female students to participate “until further notice”. A few days later the guide banned most female NGO staff work. Majority high schools for girls were also closed by the authorities.

Restrictions on women’s work and education drew international condemnation.

Western diplomats point out that the Taliban will have to change the course of their policy towards women in order to have a chance at official international recognition and ease economic isolation.

Reuters