Afghan cricketers ask Taliban to reconsider ban on girls' medical education

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, two prominent players of the Afghanistan national cricket team, have publicly criticized the Taliban's decision to close educational and medical institutions for women, particularly those offering training for nurses and midwives.

This move represents a further setback for women's rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, following the ban on secondary and higher education for girls and the prohibition on women participating in sports.

On December 4, 2024, Rashid Khan, the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team, shared his concerns on social media regarding the closures, highlighting the shortage of female doctors and nurses in Afghanistan's healthcare system.

He emphasized that the lack of female medical professionals directly affects the healthcare and dignity of women, as it is crucial for women to receive care from those who understand their specific needs.

Rashid pointed out that education, which is a fundamental principle in Islam, is a right for both men and women. He called on the Taliban to reconsider their decision and allow Afghan girls to access education, which is necessary for the country’s development.

Mohammad Nabi echoed Rashid's sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the ban on girls studying medicine. Nabi emphasized that Islam advocates for education for all and urged the Taliban to reflect on these values, allowing Afghan girls to study and contribute to the nation's progress.

Photo: ScreenGrab

Previously Afghan women enrolled in midwifery and nursing programs have been ordered to leave their classes, following a directive from the Taliban that effectively eliminates one of the last remaining educational opportunities for women in Afghanistan.

Multiple institutions across the country have confirmed the suspension of these courses, with several students posting emotional videos online documenting their sudden removal.

This decision is part of the Taliban’s broader policy to restrict women’s access to education, a policy that has been in effect since the group’s return to power in August 2021. Under this regime, girls have been banned from attending secondary school and university, leaving midwifery and nursing courses as one of the few remaining pathways for women to pursue education and build careers.

Five health institutes across Afghanistan confirmed to the BBC that women would no longer be allowed to attend these programs. In videos shared online, students can be seen crying and expressing their shock at the announcement. "Standing here and crying won’t help," one student says in a video, urging her peers to remain calm.