Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), emphasized that denying education to girls in Afghanistan is a violation of universal human rights. She urged the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to prioritize girls' education, providing them with quality learning opportunities to rebuild their war-torn nation.
Currently, a staggering 80 percent of school-age Afghan girls are not attending school, impacting 2.5 million girls. This alarming situation deprives them of their right to a safe, protected, and quality education, which is a fundamental human right.
ALSO READ: Princeton tops U.S. Universities, Williams leads in Liberal Arts in 2024 rankings
ECW expressed solidarity with the brave Afghan girls who are advocating for their right to education. They launched the #AfghanGirlsVoices campaign, dedicated to raising awareness about this critical issue throughout the year. The campaign aims to amplify the voices of Afghan girls and empower them to secure their education.
Ms. Sherif stressed the importance of education in enabling every Afghan girl to contribute to a brighter future for their country. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and ensuring girls have access to quality learning opportunities is vital for the nation's progress.
ALSO READ: Education crisis in Assam: Thousands of teaching posts vacant
Education Cannot Wait operates a multi-year resilience program in Afghanistan, aiming to support over 250,000 children and young people, especially in remote and underserved areas. They have appealed for urgent additional funding, including a $30 million shortfall to fully implement their program.