Afghan Women Lose Access to Midwifery Training

Women training to become midwives and nurses in Afghanistan have reportedly been barred from continuing their education, dealing another blow to women’s rights under the Taliban regime.

Five educational institutions across Afghanistan confirmed that the Taliban had ordered their closure. This decision effectively ends the last remaining avenue for women to pursue further education in the country. Videos circulating online show distraught students reacting to the announcement, highlighting the emotional toll of the ban.

The Taliban’s actions align with their broader policy on female education, which has barred teenage girls from secondary schools and women from higher education since they regained control in August 2021. Although the group has repeatedly claimed that these bans are temporary and dependent on “Islamic curriculum reforms,” no progress has been made toward reopening schools for girls.

The ban is particularly significant as midwifery and nursing are among the few professions still accessible to Afghan women under Taliban rules. These roles are crucial in Afghanistan’s healthcare system, as cultural norms prohibit male doctors from treating female patients without the presence of a male guardian. The removal of midwifery training risks exacerbating already severe healthcare challenges, particularly for women in rural areas.

This latest restriction further marginalizes Afghan women, who face increasing limitations in education, employment, and public life. The closure of midwifery courses signals not only a loss of professional opportunities but also a deepening crisis in women’s access to essential healthcare services.

International organizations and human rights advocates have condemned the Taliban’s policies, urging them to prioritize women’s rights and education. However, tangible action from the global community to influence these policies remains limited.