One year after the Taliban imposed a ban on higher education for women in Afghanistan, some female medical students are defying the restrictions by continuing their studies in secret. Lima, a 28-year-old aspiring surgeon, was just weeks away from graduating when the ban interrupted her medical education. Now, she clandestinely trains as a nurse, risking her safety to stay connected to her chosen field.
The Taliban’s ban prevents new women from entering the medical field, leaving over 3,000 women, who had already graduated from medical schools, unable to take the required board exams. Despite the challenges, many refuse to abandon their dreams and have found ways to study independently or online.
In a bid to keep pursuing her goals, Noor, another affected student, secured a two-month internship at a hospital in 2020. After the ban persisted, the hospital allowed her to continue observing surgeries secretly. The risks are significant, as discovery could lead to expulsion from hospitals or worse, given the Taliban’s strict measures.
The ban not only obstructs individual aspirations but also exacerbates the severe shortage of female medical workers in Afghanistan. The country’s urgent need for female doctors is crucial for women’s healthcare, especially in conservative areas where families may resist having female relatives treated by male doctors.
The consequences of the Taliban’s restrictions extend beyond education, impacting women’s health and maternal mortality rates. Afghanistan has already experienced a decline in foreign aid and investment, affecting healthcare services. Hospitals faced operational difficulties, staff shortages, and medical supply scarcities. The situation has been exacerbated by the departure of doctors and a subsequent strain on the remaining healthcare workers.
Despite the challenges and risks, Afghan women persist in their pursuit of education and careers in medicine. The ban on higher education is met with resilience, as women clandestinely intern and study, determined to defy the limitations imposed by the Taliban. As the international community observes the evolving situation in Afghanistan, the plight of these women highlights the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and access to education in the face of oppressive regimes.
