Afghanistan: Taliban bans women from attending universities

In an official letter, the ministry of higher education has ordered all public and private universities to suspend female university students’ education until the next order. Also, girls’ secondary and higher schools remain closed for the past year, reports Khaama Press.

US Department of States Special Representative Thomas West has expressed solidarity with the women of the country over the restrictions imposed.

"The Taliban today announced new and indefensible restrictions on the lives of Afghan women. My thoughts are with them right now: Sisters, daughters, mothers seeking education to support their families and fulfill their dreams," he tweeted.

"This is an important moment for the world: We must unite and oppose these policies in the strongest terms. We must stand with Afghan women," he said.

The Taliban government came to power in Afghanistan last year by removing the previous government after foreign forces left the country.

Human Rights Watch described the move taken by Taliban administrators as 'shameful'.