The almost three-year-long ban on female education in Afghanistan not only violates fundamental human rights but also obstructs the country’s potential for sustainable development and progress. However, national uprising and civil disorder is not the solution, as they might challenge existing power structures, without offering a sustainable road map toward a better future. For Afghanistan to attain enduring stability and earn a respected position within the global community, it must embark on a transformative journey through committed reconciliation endeavors and establish a solid foundation for sustainable peace.
Education is a fundamental human right, and denying it to half of the population in Afghanistan has detrimental effects on the country’s social fabric and prospects. The Islamic perspective and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Afghanistan is a signatory, enshrines the right to education for all free from gender discrimination.
The ban on female education in Afghanistan has been indirectly declared a -non-negotiable topic that is purely motivated by pride and ego. It is a major deficiency and a visible shortcoming of the Taliban-led government’s policies in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the prohibition still stands without any legitimate or logical reason, even after more than two years have passed and the ruling party has made numerous promises to remove it.
This discriminatory policy not only contradicts the relatively positive aspects of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) but also undermines its claim of being the successor state of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was known for his integrity, honesty, and fulfillment of commitments. Furthermore, it also goes against Islamic law and rights and denies women and girls their fundamental right to an education. This restriction not only hinders the personal development and dignity of women but also impedes the overall progress of Afghan society causing human tragedy, and potentially bringing the country to the verge of collapse. It is imperative that this ban must never be tolerated, or accepted.
The Afghans, including religious scholars, and the international community have largely condemned the ban on female education in Afghanistan. Various human rights organizations, world leaders, and global entities have expressed their disapproval of this regressive policy. The United Nations, through its various agencies, has consistently advocated for female education and has called for an end to discriminatory practices, but unfortunately, all of these initiatives have failed mainly due to a lack of consistency and coordination.
The Afghan authorities (IEA) must consider that upholding the ban on female education poses a significant threat to Afghanistan’s stability and development. By denying girls access to education, the nation is hindering its potential for advancement and prosperity. Such discriminatory policies are likely to incite public backlash against religious scholars, potentially leading to social unrest. If women continue to be marginalized, Afghan society may suffer long-term consequences.
The almost three-year-long ban on female education in Afghanistan is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and resolution as it is becoming worse with each passing day. It not only violates fundamental human rights but also obstructs the country’s potential for sustainable development and progress. It is crucial to resolve this situation in order to ensure a brighter future for all Afghans.
However, national uprising and civil disorder is not the solution, as it might challenge existing power structures, and also risks precipitating further chaos without offering a sustainable road map toward a better future. Also, politically, the absence of clear direction and viable alternatives can lead to a power vacuum, making it extraordinarily difficult to establish stability. Consequently, the instability can then create opportunities for extremist groups to gain power further exacerbating the situation. Socially, civil disorder can lead to violence, displacement, loss of life, and damage to public property. Afghanistan’s instability can globally have far-reaching consequences. It can destabilize the region, create a breeding ground for extremist groups, and hinder international efforts to promote peace and stability in the country in the region and the world at large.
A well-functioning society and a robust political system are established when leaders emerge from the populace, policies are rigorously overseen by citizens, politicians prioritize national interests over their ambitions, and authorities are held accountable to their constituencies. These elements collectively foster effective governance, equity, and justice within a community.
The imperative for change underscores the necessity for a paradigm shift among authorities, moving away from governing the people towards serving them. This transformation entails holding accountability for societal challenges, promoting inclusivity in political dialogues, giving precedence to education and crime reduction efforts, upholding high professional standards in leadership roles, and displaying an unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and its citizens.
Contrary to that, our problems seem to have originated from stubborn mentalities, power-driven politics, and a communal mindset that hinders effective governance and the implementation of systems. The inability to establish sustainable systems is directly tied to the conduct and mindsets of those in positions of authority.
Merely expressing satisfaction with the current level of the international community’s conduct regarding Afghanistan is not sufficient for effective governance. Simply stating contentment without addressing the fundamental issues of domestic legitimacy does not contribute to good governance. Authorities should actively engage with the public, respond to criticism constructively, and strive towards implementing solutions that benefit the entire nation.
Governments must acknowledge shortcomings, and strive to improve policies based on constructive criticism. Rejecting the accusations of the international community does not align with dynamic diplomacy. Hence engaging in meaningful dialogue, addressing concerns raised by the world community neighbours and regional countries, and working towards amicably beneficial solutions are essential components of effective diplomacy. By dismissing international criticism, governments risk isolating themselves and missing out on opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Keeping in view the disasters that stemmed from the system collapse in Afghanistan and to prevent potentially more severe and catastrophic situations, Afghans may be inclined to compromise with the Taliban’s harsh mentality and monopolistic governance structure, but turn a blind eye to the oppressive ban on female education, which threatens to regress the country into dark ages, and is viewed as a form of national betrayal that should never be condoned.
For Afghanistan to attain enduring stability and earn a respected position within the global community, it must embark on a transformative journey focused on reconciliation and healing. This transformation necessitates implementing changes that are in harmony with Islamic principles while honoring Afghan cultural values. By adopting this approach, the government can operate as a legitimate and acknowledged system. This comprehensive process involves addressing long-standing grievances, promoting constructive dialogue among various political factions, and collaboratively crafting a unified vision for the nation’s future. Through committed reconciliation endeavors, Afghanistan has the potential to mend societal rifts and establish a solid foundation for sustainable peace.
