Afghan Women's Rights Advocate Confronts Taliban Over Education Ban

As the Taliban commemorates two years since regaining power in Afghanistan, Afghan women's rights advocate Mahbouba Seraj has strongly criticized the group's ban on girls' education and other restrictions placed on women. In a recently released behind-the-scenes documentary titled "Taliban Palace," Seraj, a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, confronts Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid, denouncing these measures as crimes against women's rights and a form of apartheid.

A Bold Confrontation

The documentary captures a meeting between Mahbouba Seraj and Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid. During this interaction, Seraj fearlessly addresses the Taliban's decision to prohibit girls' education, which she views as a grave offense. She implores the group to reconsider their stance on this issue, appealing to their sense of responsibility toward the younger generation.

The Plea for Girls' Education

With heartfelt concern, Mahbouba Seraj urges the Taliban to lift the ban on girls' education. She underscores the importance of education for the development of an entire generation and emphasizes that depriving girls of schooling is not a sustainable approach.

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Taliban's Response and Justification

In response to Seraj's plea, Zabiullah Mujahid concedes that her concerns regarding girls' education are valid. However, he raises the possibility of girls in schools potentially challenging the government's authority and destabilizing Afghan society. He explains that the Taliban prioritizes the solutions advised by scholars, suggesting that deviating from these recommendations could lead to internal divisions and governmental instability.

Impact of Taliban's Restrictions

The Taliban's policies have significantly impacted Afghan women's lives. UNESCO reports that since 2021, more than 2.5 million school-aged Afghan girls and young women—roughly 80 percent—have been unable to attend school due to the Taliban's decision to close girls' schools. This reversal of progress in female education over the past two decades is a concerning setback.

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International Rejection and Warning

The Taliban's stance on women's rights has faced widespread criticism from both Western and Muslim-majority countries. Mahbouba Seraj issues a stern warning to Zabiullah Mujahid during their meeting. She cautions that if the Taliban does not reconsider its policies on women, the global community will unite against them.