The Taliban’s recent decision to ban Afghan women from attending nursing and midwifery courses has sparked widespread condemnation, with activists and human rights organisations calling it an “outrageous act of ignorance” that will severely harm women’s access to healthcare.
The Taliban’s public health ministry reportedly communicated the decision to suspend women’s medical training institutes during a meeting held on Monday. The official decree, however, has yet to be shared publicly. Multiple sources, including nursing students and medical trainers in Kabul and provinces, confirmed that the suspension has been enforced, leading to the closure of health science courses for women.
“I was preparing for a test on Monday night when I received a message from my teacher about the closure of the institute,” said Sahar*, a 22-year-old nursing student, expressing her frustration.
This move has drawn widespread backlash from Afghan women, with female students in Herat province gathering outside the governor’s office to protest the suspension of healthcare training courses. The protesters were heard chanting, “We will not give up our rights” and “Education is our right,” in a powerful stand for their right to education and work.
One medical student and activist from Kabul remarked, “A society without female doctors or medical workers is doomed.” This sentiment reflects the deep concern that the ban will leave Afghanistan with a severe shortage of female healthcare professionals, undermining the country’s ability to provide adequate healthcare for women.
International human rights organisations have joined Afghan activists in condemning the Taliban’s actions, emphasising the grave consequences the ban will have on women’s access to healthcare. Samira Hamidi, an Afghan activist and campaigner for Amnesty International, labelled the move an “outrageous act of ignorance.” She further criticised the Taliban’s ongoing assault on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, warning of the long-term impact on the lives of millions of Afghan women. “This draconian action will have a devastating long-term impact on the lives of millions of Afghans, especially women and girls,” Hamidi said.
Hamidi pointed out that in many parts of Afghanistan, traditional and cultural practices dictate that women are not permitted to be treated by male doctors. With this new ban, women will have no choice but to forgo vital healthcare services, as the lack of female healthcare professionals will mean there are no midwives, nurses, or other female medical staff to attend to them.
Heather Barr from Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns, stating, “If you ban women from being treated by male healthcare professionals, and then you ban women from training to become healthcare professionals, the consequences are clear: women will not have access to healthcare and will die as a result.”
More Read
The impact of this ban on maternal healthcare in Afghanistan is especially concerning. Even before the Taliban’s return to power, Afghanistan’s maternal health situation was dire, with the country ranking among the lowest in the world for maternal safety. In 2020, Afghanistan had a maternal mortality rate of 620 deaths for every 100,000 live births, according to the World Health Organization. In comparison, the UK’s maternal mortality rate was just 10 per 100,000 live births.
In light of these statistics, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that Afghanistan needs an additional 18,000 skilled midwives to provide adequate care for Afghan women. The Taliban’s actions, therefore, stand to exacerbate an already catastrophic situation.
The suspension of women’s medical training comes as yet another blow to women’s rights in Afghanistan, following the Taliban’s earlier measures to curtail girls’ education, limit women’s freedom of movement, and restrict their ability to participate in the workforce. These policies have left Afghan women in a state of uncertainty, with many fearing for their future and the wellbeing of their families.
As the international community condemns the Taliban’s latest action, many activists are calling for urgent intervention to protect the rights of Afghan women and ensure that they can continue to receive the education and healthcare they need. The consequences of the Taliban’s policies are clear, and the suffering of Afghan women is only set to deepen unless immediate action is taken.
