Afghan Women Fight Against Taliban’s Education Ban

In Afghanistan, nearly five years have passed since the Taliban prohibited girls over the age of 12 from attending school. Yet, Afghan women refuse to be silenced and are actively challenging these restrictions. The situation remains tense, with new laws frequently introduced to further limit their freedoms.

Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O’Connor recently visited a covert underground school in Kabul. This institution operates secretly, providing education to young girls who are otherwise barred by the ruling forces. During their visit, Molana-Allen and O’Connor engaged with the courageous women who are risking their lives to stand up against these oppressive regulations.

These women are driving a movement that not only seeks to defy the educational ban but also to reclaim their rights in a society that continues to impose harsh limitations on them. Their actions symbolize bravery and determination amid formidable conditions.

Leila Molana-Allen, who reports for the Newshour as a Special Correspondent, has spent a decade covering stories from the broader Middle East and Africa. Her work based in cities like Beirut and Baghdad has equipped her with unique insights into the complexities of the region.