New Taliban decree bans women from medical training: ‘devastating decision’

The Taliban’s recent decision to ban women in Afghanistan from attending nursing and midwifery classes has dealt yet another blow to women’s rights in the country since the Taliban takeover. This directive has closed off one of the last remaining avenues for women to pursue education and training.

According to reports, the Taliban’s supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, issued the decree, which was communicated by the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health during a meeting with private medical institutions. This latest ban follows earlier restrictions on secondary education for girls and universities for women, further extinguishing the hopes and aspirations of Afghanistan’s young women.

Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, expressed deep concern over the ban, highlighting its devastating impact on women’s rights and the country’s development. She emphasized that preventing women from participating in essential professions like nursing and midwifery will lead to higher maternal and neonatal mortality rates, ultimately undermining Afghanistan’s health system and progress.

The ban on women attending nursing and midwifery classes has left many aspiring female healthcare workers without a path to pursue their chosen profession. This decision not only violates human rights but also exacerbates the country’s healthcare crisis, particularly in rural areas where cultural norms prevent male doctors from treating female patients.

Afghanistan currently faces one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world, with 620 women dying per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes. The World Health Organization estimates that 24 women die every day during childbirth or pregnancy in Afghanistan. The ban on medical training for women will likely worsen the country’s already dire humanitarian crisis, which has been exacerbated by reduced international support following the Taliban’s takeover.

Despite promises made by the Taliban to respect women’s rights after seizing power, they have reneged on their commitments. The international community, including the U.N. and various nongovernmental organizations, have called on the Taliban to repeal the directive and reverse their repressive policies towards women. It is crucial for the rights and well-being of Afghan women that they have access to education and opportunities to contribute to their communities.

As the situation in Afghanistan continues to deteriorate, it is imperative that the international community remains engaged and supportive of efforts to uphold women’s rights and provide essential services to the Afghan population. The banning of women from nursing and midwifery classes is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Afghan women and the urgent need for action to protect their rights and well-being.