The plight of Afghan women under the Taliban regime has reached a critical juncture. With the recent prohibition on midwifery education, one of the last avenues for female advancement and healthcare provision is now closed. This decision not only stifles opportunities for women but also jeopardizes maternal health across the country.

A Nation at Risk: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Women’s Rights and Lives

Education Under Siege

The educational landscape in Afghanistan has been dramatically altered since the Taliban regained control. For many young women, dreams of pursuing higher education have turned into nightmares. Two years ago, the Taliban imposed a ban on women attending universities, severing countless aspirations. A 20-year-old woman from Nangarhar, who had her heart set on computer science, found herself with limited options. Her story echoes the sentiments of many others who were forced to pivot towards midwifery as a last resort. However, even this lifeline was cut short when the Taliban extended their prohibitions to midwifery programs in early December.The impact of these restrictions cannot be overstated. Education is not just a path to personal fulfillment; it is a gateway to empowerment and societal progress. By shutting down these opportunities, the Taliban are perpetuating a cycle of dependency and vulnerability. Young women, already marginalized, are now further isolated from the global community. Their voices, once filled with hope, now resonate with despair. One 19-year-old girl poignantly expressed her frustration, "I am so miserable to be born in Afghanistan and live under the Taliban’s regime." Her words encapsulate the collective anguish of a generation robbed of its future.

Healthcare in Crisis

The ramifications of the midwifery ban extend far beyond education. Afghanistan’s healthcare system, already fragile, is teetering on the brink of collapse. According to Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, this decision will severely limit women and girls’ access to healthcare. In a society where male medical staff are prohibited from treating women without a male relative present, the absence of female healthcare providers can be catastrophic. Afghanistan already grapples with one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 638 mothers dying for every 100,000 births. Midwives play an indispensable role in rural areas, often serving as the sole link between communities and essential healthcare services. Dr. Soroush, an obstetrician with over a decade of experience, underscores the unique contributions of midwives: "Many rural areas don’t have an obstetrician, but they have a midwife who checks and can help both mother and newborn baby." Without new midwives entering the field, the outlook for maternal health is grim. Families are left with no choice but to rely on inadequate or non-existent care, leading to tragic outcomes. In remote villages, the scarcity of healthcare professionals is stark. A woman from a distant village described their local clinic, which relies on a single female doctor for all treatments. Another woman from Salang district shared harrowing stories of pregnant women dying en route to the nearest clinic, located 30 kilometers away. These firsthand accounts paint a bleak picture of a healthcare system in disarray, where preventable deaths are all too common.

A Call for Global Solidarity

The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation and take decisive action. The Taliban’s gender apartheid regime systematically undermines the rights and lives of Afghan women. From education to communication, each restriction chips away at the foundations of a free and equitable society. The voices of these women, calling for solidarity and support, should not fall on deaf ears. The world cannot afford to stand by as another generation of Afghan women faces insurmountable barriers. Immediate and sustained efforts are needed to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan. International organizations, governments, and civil society must unite to advocate for the restoration of women’s rights and the revitalization of the healthcare system. The time for rhetoric is over; it is time for tangible action. The future of Afghanistan depends on it.