In a rare and bold statement, a senior Taliban official has publicly condemned the group’s ongoing bans on education for women and girls, highlighting a growing divide between the movement’s policies and the core tenets of Islamic teachings.
The official, who requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter, emphasized that the denial of educational opportunities for women contradicts the true spirit of Islam, which, according to the official, encourages the pursuit of knowledge for all individuals, regardless of gender.
“Islam has always prioritized education for both men and women,” the official stated. “The prohibition of education for girls and women not only undermines our faith but also disregards the principles that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instilled in us.”
The critique comes at a time when the Taliban’s administration has imposed severe restrictions on female education, preventing girls beyond the sixth grade from attending school, and halting university education for women altogether. These moves have drawn widespread international condemnation, as well as internal discontent within Afghanistan’s population.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” the official continued. “The current policy of limiting access to education for women and girls will have long-term consequences for the future of Afghanistan, including economic, social, and political stability.”
The statement is considered a significant and rare deviation from the Taliban’s official position on women’s rights and education. It raises questions about potential fractures within the Taliban leadership as increasing numbers of voices from within Afghanistan, as well as international organizations, call for an end to discriminatory policies against women.
While it remains unclear whether this criticism will lead to any change in the Taliban’s approach, it serves as a potent reminder of the deep internal contradictions that continue to plague the movement’s governance. As the situation unfolds, the international community and human rights organizations continue to monitor the issue closely.