Cricket players Rashid Khan and Muhammad Nabi from Afghanistan have voiced their shock at the Taliban’s recent decision to prohibit women from pursuing careers in nursing and midwifery.
They described the move as “deeply saddening and heartbreaking” and highlighted Islam’s emphasis on education for everyone. Both cricketers took to X to urge the Taliban to reconsider their stance and restore Afghan girls’ right to education, enabling them to contribute to the nation’s development.
Rashid Khan wrote, “Education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women. The Quran highlights the importance of learning and acknowledges the equal spiritual worth of both genders. It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face. Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture.”
He added, “The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs. I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values.”
🤲🏻🤲🏻🇦🇫🇦🇫 pic.twitter.com/rYtNtNaw14
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 4, 2024
The Taliban’s most recent ban
The Taliban is set to impose a new ban on women enrolling in nursing and midwifery courses, marking the latest restriction on women’s education since their return to power in 2021.
The decision follows an order from the Taliban’s supreme leader. The Taliban government has not officially confirmed the ban, but affected institutes have given employees 10 days to hold final exams before it takes effect.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) expressed concern over the reports and called on the Taliban to reconsider the decision, citing further restrictions on women and girls’ rights to education and healthcare access.
The European Union condemned the move, citing media reports indicating that Taliban leaders have instructed private and public institutions to cease offering medical courses for women and girls in Afghanistan.
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Source: HT
