'No hope without...': Kabul Schoolgirls Plead for Education as School Closures Persist

In Kabul, a quiet but powerful plea is growing louder.

Afghan schoolgirls, locked out of classrooms for years, are once again urging authorities to reopen schools, warning that every passing day deepens the crisis facing an entire generation.

Why are Kabul schoolgirls renewing their appeal now?

Female students in the Afghan capital have renewed calls for the reopening of schools and educational institutions that remain shut under the Islamic Emirate’s restrictions. With no access to formal education, many girls say their futures are slipping away.

Mojda, a student from Takhar province, recounted her family’s desperate attempt to continue her education. “After schools were closed, we came to Kabul with our family to study in courses, but those were also shut down.” She added, “Our request from the Islamic Emirate is to reopen school doors for girls.”

What does the continued closure mean for Afghan girls?

The prolonged shutdown has left many students grappling with uncertainty and despair. Sama, another student, highlighted the emotional toll, saying, “Our demand is that schools reopen so we can study. Afghan girls no longer have hope, and their only hope is education.”

For many, education is not just a right—it is their only pathway to a better future. Without it, opportunities vanish, and aspirations remain unfulfilled.

Why are activists calling this a critical turning point?

Women’s rights advocates warn that the consequences extend far beyond individual students. Lamia Shirzai stressed the urgency of action, stating, “School and university doors must be reopened as soon as possible based on the interests of the Afghan people, so the country does not fall behind in regional and global competition.”

Another student, Husnia, voiced her fears of a stalled future: “I am very worried because I have finished sixth grade and may have to stay at home afterwards and not be able to progress. I ask the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for girls because they have big dreams.”

Activists argue that denying education not only violates fundamental rights but also risks long-term social and economic setbacks for Afghanistan.

(With inputs from ANI)