We are completely trapped – the Taliban’s internet ban is a deliberate attempt to erase our future

Young Afghan girl, Naderah, shares the heartbreaking reality of being cut off from education once again — as the Taliban’s internet shutdown leaves millions of Afghan girls isolated, silenced, and stripped of their last remaining access to learning and hope.

Since the return of the Taliban, Afghan girls have been systematically deprived of their right to learn. Schools and universities have been closed to girls and young women across the country, and now online education has been blocked, leaving millions of young girls isolated and without access to knowledge. The closure of educational institutions to girls beyond primary school, following the Taliban’s return in 2021, stripped girls of opportunities that are fundamental to their development and future.

The Internet Shutdown

In the wake of the restrictions, many turned to online classes, hoping to continue some form of education. But, this fragile hope, as we feared, has been swiftly taken away. Private courses are being shut down, teachers are being silenced, and now the internet itself has been restricted. This week, the Taliban shut down fibre-optic internet across provinces in Afghanistan to “prevent immorality” with the crackdown said to be spreading across the country (The internet shutdowns began in mid-September 2025 and extended across the entire country by the end of the month.)

Devastating Impact on Girls and Women

For girls and women, the impact of this decision is devastating. We have already faced immense obstacles to continue our rights to education in the past four years.

Now, we are forced to study in isolation, without guidance, in a virtual darkness where every day brings a sense of loss. Books are inaccessible, lessons are interrupted, and voices remain unheard. Each restriction is not only a practical barrier but a psychological wound, creating an entire generation of young women growing up with limited prospects and stolen dreams.

A Call for Global Awareness and Action

What makes this crisis even more urgent is the silence of the international community. While the world observes, Afghan girls are denied not only education but the very right to hope. This is more than the closure of schools or the blocking of the internet, it is a deliberate attempt to erase the future of an entire generation. Afghan girls continue to endure these challenges with remarkable courage, and their struggle underscores the urgent need for global awareness and action.

A Heartbreaking Reality

“I am truly heartbroken about this situation. All we can do right now is cry. It feels so unfair for us girls. All our hope was in online schools. Now that the internet is cut off, how can we continue? We are completely hopeless and trapped. It feels like no-one in this country defends girls. Seeing that we were all studying online, the Taliban cut the internet under the pretext of preventing ‘moral corruption’ We feel hopeless, powerless, and constantly afraid for our lives and our future.

Naderah H is currently studying journalism with LEARN Afghan through a collaboration with
British journalist Sarah Hussain.
She has a strong interest in science and technology, and enjoys reading, writing, and learning
new things in her free time.
Naderah dreams of becoming an engineer and using her knowledge to help better her country
and support girls’ education.