At a Pak-Afghan Stakeholders Dialogue on “Regional stability and economic connectivity” hosted by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in Islamabad, attendees voiced their agreement that equal access to education for women in Afghanistan is a must.
We can’t survive without education, one participant said, emphasizing the importance of reopening girls’ schools and improving Afghanistan’s educational system.
Ban on Women Education in Afghanistan
A female delegate questioned the ban on education, raising the question of how Afghan women living in the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan could get good medical care in the absence of female doctors and how the country could meet its future healthcare needs without lifting the ban.
Noting the current situation regarding girls’ education and women’s rights in Afghanistan, the group concluded that the lack of consultation and indicative communication with the Qandahar faction of the Taliban, a key actor in the decision-making process, was responsible for the lack of expected outcomes.
Afghans want an education system that is both modern and respectful of their culture and religion.
This includes the reopening of schools for girls. “Our youth must advance in science and other academic disciplines to forestall future invasions,” said a former Afghan diplomat.
One of the participating Pakistani religious scholars echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of economic and academic development in ensuring the survival of cultures and nations.
The importance of putting economic stability and connectivity ahead of political differences was stressed by all parties involved.
An Afghan commercial expert has stated that the two countries are geographically close enough to be considered neighbors.
We need to strengthen our economies and build stronger trade relations with other regional actors like China, Iran, India, Central Asia, etc. now that we have peace in our country and can focus on fostering robust trade and transit via connected routes.
Participants pushed for the removal of bureaucratic red tape and unethical business practices that are stifling bilateral trade.
To read our blog on “Taliban forbids Afghan girls from continuing university education,” click here.
