Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, has called on the caretaker government to reopen schools and universities for girls and women in the country on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Mr. Karzai made these remarks on his X account, stating: “Women of Afghanistan have been present in all struggles and transformations, particularly in the independence movements and the flourishing of culture, standing side by side with men and fulfilling their responsibilities towards the development and progress of the homeland.”
He further emphasized: “I believe that the current and future of Afghanistan necessitates the meaningful presence and participation of women alongside men in all areas. I insist that to this end, opportunities for advancement and roles for women must be created, and the conditions for education and learning for girls must be provided.”
The former president of Afghanistan expressed: “With wishes for happiness and success for the women of the country and in commemoration of International Women’s Day, I once again urge the Islamic caretaker government to open the doors of schools and universities to girls so that with the flourishing of the talents of young people, both girls and boys, the path for our country’s progress and development can be paved, allowing Afghanistan to free itself from external dependency based on the knowledge and capabilities of its own children.”
This comes as yesterday marked March 8, International Women’s Day. This day is observed while women and girls in Afghanistan face severe restrictions.
It should be noted that over the past three years, the caretaker government has imposed numerous restrictions on citizens, especially women and girls. Currently, girls and women are barred from attending school, university, and work, and are deprived of their most basic rights.
In addition, women and girls are prohibited from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in domestic and international NGOs, and even in UN offices in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the caretaker government in Afghanistan has repeatedly stated that citizens’ rights, including women’s rights, have been increasingly secured within the framework of Islamic laws in the country.
