In a distressing development for women's education in Afghanistan, senior officials at various nursing and midwifery institutes have announced that women students will no longer be permitted to attend classes.

This decision reportedly stems from a directive issued by the Taliban's supreme leader, which was conveyed during a meeting held on Monday in Kabul between health officials and directors of educational institutes.

AFP quoted an anonymous public health ministry official saying, "There is no official letter, but directors were informed during the meeting that women and girls cannot study in these institutes anymore. No reasons were provided—only the leader’s directive and instructions for enforcement."

A manager present at the meeting, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of repercussions, noted that many heads of institutes were in attendance. Another senior staff member from a different institute expressed confusion over the ruling, particularly as some institutes were instructed to conduct final exams within ten days.

Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, they have prohibited girls from pursuing education beyond secondary school. Nursing and midwifery institutes had become one of the few remaining avenues for women's education, with female students now constituting the majority within these institutions.

Internationally, the UK’s envoy to Afghanistan expressed alarm over the decision, labeling it a significant setback for women’s rights and a potential threat to healthcare access for Afghan women and children. The ban is anticipated to exacerbate the already struggling health sector in Afghanistan.

"We are already short of medical staff, and this will undoubtedly worsen the situation," the health ministry official concluded. (AFP)