Education Restrictions for Afghan Girls and Early Marriage
Bareen Media – Afghan girls who have been forced to leave school since the Taliban returned to power say the loss of education has affected their futures and, in some cases, increased pressure to marry at a young age.
Some girls and women say being unable to continue their education has left them with fewer opportunities and greater pressure from families and communities to enter marriage.
They say some Afghan girls have entered married life at an age when they were not prepared for the responsibilities of family and married life, while in some cases the decision was made without their full consent.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, girls above sixth grade have remained largely excluded from secondary education. The restrictions have raised continuing concerns about the educational, economic and social future of Afghan girls.
The experiences of affected girls also show that being denied education can have consequences beyond schooling, influencing family decisions, personal independence and the choices available to young Afghan women.
