Afghan women banned from midwifery and nursing courses

Afghan women pursuing midwifery and nursing education have been ordered to leave their classes, following a directive from the Taliban that effectively cuts off one of the last remaining routes for women to access education in Afghanistan.

Several institutions across the country have confirmed the suspension of these courses, with some students sharing emotional videos online of their abrupt removal.

The decision to halt these educational programmes comes as part of the Taliban’s broader policy to restrict women’s access to education, which has been in place since their return to power in August 2021.

Under this regime, girls have been barred from attending secondary school and university, leaving midwifery and nursing courses as one of the few remaining avenues for women to pursue education and careers.

Five separate health institutes across Afghanistan confirmed to the BBC that women would no longer be allowed to attend their classes. Videos shared online showed students crying and expressing shock at the news. "Standing here and crying won’t help," one student is heard saying in a video, urging others to stay calm.

Another video shows women quietly protesting as they walk out of their institutions, singing as they make their way through the hallways. "This was our only hope after being banned from universities," said one midwifery teacher in Kabul.

The Taliban’s health ministry informed institute directors in a meeting on Monday of the decision. A health official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that no official letter had been issued, but directors were told that female students could no longer study in their institutions, effective immediately.

These instructions were delivered in an informal meeting, with little explanation given, and the directors were told simply to comply with the directive from the supreme leader.

The suspension of midwifery and nursing education for women is particularly significant for Afghanistan’s healthcare system. The country already faces a critical shortage of medical professionals, with a desperate need for midwives.

Last year, the United Nations reported that Afghanistan needed an additional 18,000 midwives to meet its healthcare needs. This shortage is compounded by Afghanistan’s high maternal mortality rate, one of the worst in the world.

In 2023, the World Health Organization recorded 620 deaths per 100,000 live births in Afghanistan.

For Afghan women, nursing and midwifery had become one of the few career paths available. Under the Taliban's strict gender-based policies, male doctors are not allowed to treat female patients unless a male guardian is present, making it crucial for women to be trained in these fields.

Just a few months ago, the BBC visited a Taliban-run midwife training centre where women were being taught to deliver babies. At that time, the students expressed pride in their work, with one trainee, Safia, saying her family felt "so proud" of her efforts.

However, this glimmer of opportunity has now been snuffed out. The women who were in training are left uncertain about their futures, with no clear indication of whether the ban will be temporary or permanent.

Some students said they were told to "wait until further notice", with no explanation given as to when or if they would be allowed to resume their studies. "They told us to leave and not to stand in the courtyard because the Taliban might arrive at any moment," one student said. "We were terrified."

The international community has reacted with concern, with the UK’s charge d'affaires in Afghanistan expressing deep unease over the decision. "This is another affront to women's right to education and will further restrict access to healthcare for Afghan women and children," the official said on social media.

In response to the closure of midwifery and nursing institutes, several health officials and managers from these institutions have sought clarity from the Taliban government.

Some are trying to complete final exams for students, as the closure has disrupted the academic schedule. However, there are fears that the situation could escalate further, leaving Afghanistan with even fewer female healthcare professionals.

The closure of midwifery and nursing courses for women will likely exacerbate the already dire healthcare situation in Afghanistan. For women, it represents another devastating blow to their access to education and professional opportunities in the country.