Sanjeev Vijesekera, the regional director of UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) for South Asia, has stated that it is time for schools across Afghanistan to reopen their doors to girls.
Mr. Vijesekera posted a message today (Thursday, March 26) on his X account, expressing that girls in Afghanistan have waited long enough, and the reopening of schools should bring hope to everyone.
In part of his message, he emphasized: “It is time for schools to reopen because hope, dignity, and the future begin with education.”
UNICEF has previously stated that education is fundamental to building the future of children and that reopening schools is not only their right but also a necessity for the development and progress of society.
Meanwhile, international organizations have consistently warned that prolonged deprivation of education can have long-term consequences for the health, security, and job opportunities of girls.
It should be noted that the current government, after taking control of Afghanistan, has deprived women and girls of education. In its latest restriction, it closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan is facing a shortage of personnel.
This government’s action has resulted in millions of female students being unable to pursue their education.
Additionally, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in both domestic and international NGOs, as well as in UN offices in Afghanistan.
