Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund in Afghanistan, expressed concern over the growing mental health problems and early marriages among girls, saying that millions of girls are experiencing the devastating effects of restrictions.
UNICEF reported today (Wednesday, September 17) quoting Russell, that by the end of this year, more than 2.2 million girls will remain deprived of schooling, while millions more continue to suffer from the harmful impacts of the current government’s restrictions.
She further stressed that the return of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan has added to the number of girls deprived of education.
The UNICEF Executive Director added: “While millions of children around the world are returning to classrooms this month to begin a new school year, Afghan girls are denied this fundamental right. This is one of the defining injustices of our time.”
She emphasized that girls in Afghanistan are deprived not only of education but also of social connection, personal growth, opportunities to shape their future, and the chance to fulfill their potential.
Russell further warned: “This ban is a profound threat to the country’s stability and long-term progress. No nation can thrive when half of its population is left behind. If Afghanistan is to move forward, it needs the full participation of both women and men to drive a stronger workforce, boost economic growth, and meet the needs of a growing nation.”
She added: “UNICEF urgently calls on the de facto authorities to lift this devastating ban and allow every girl in Afghanistan to attend school, from grade six and beyond.”
It has been four years since Afghan girls have been barred from attending schools and universities by the current government.
This policy has left millions of school-aged girls deprived of education.
In addition, women have been banned from going to gyms, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs as well as United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
