The Taliban government has intensified its crackdown on education in Afghanistan, ordering the removal of all books written by women from university curricula and banning the teaching of subjects related to human rights and sexual harassment.
According to reports, around 140 books authored by women – including scientific texts such as “Safety in the Chemical Laboratory” – were among 680 publications flagged as violating “Sharia and Taliban policies.”
Universities were also instructed to stop teaching 18 subjects deemed incompatible with the group’s interpretation of Islamic law. A Taliban official said the courses were “in conflict with the principles of Sharia and the system’s policy.”
The move adds to a growing list of restrictions imposed since the Taliban retook power four years ago. Earlier this week, fibre-optic internet was banned in at least 10 provinces under orders from the Taliban’s supreme leader, reportedly to curb “immorality.”
Women and girls remain the most affected by these measures. They have been banned from schooling beyond the sixth grade, and one of their final opportunities for professional training disappeared in late 2024 when midwifery courses were quietly shut down.
Six of the newly banned subjects directly focus on women, including Gender and Development, Women’s Sociology, and The Role of Women in Communication.
Despite international criticism, the Taliban insists it upholds women’s rights — but only in line with its strict interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law.
