The Taliban has banned education for girls older than 12 in Afghanistan for nearly five years. Despite this, Afghan women are finding ways to educate girls in secret. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O’Connor visited a hidden school in Kabul, where women risk their lives to defy the Taliban's restrictions. The identities of the women involved have been changed for their protection.
Every morning, teenage girls enter a concealed basement in Kabul, where they attend classes despite the risks. Farimah, the founder and teacher of the school, noted that the initiative began when she felt lost after the education ban was announced. She aimed to create a safe space for girls to learn, and the school has since attracted hundreds of students through word of mouth.
Thirteen-year-old Niloufar expressed her happiness and hope for the future, stating she wants to teach other girls once she completes her studies. Meanwhile, 18-year-olds Noosha and Maryam shared their struggles with mental health during the ban, feeling trapped and hopeless until they discovered the school.
Maya, a teenage bride, described the loss of her dreams after being forced into marriage when the Taliban regained power. She highlighted the increasing rates of young marriages in Afghanistan, particularly in urban areas, as education opportunities diminish.
In Herat, women are also facing severe restrictions. Ms. Mubariz, a protester and founder of a secret online school, reported that Taliban forces have intensified crackdowns on women's rights, including clothing restrictions. Following a protest against these measures, Taliban security forces responded violently, resulting in casualties and arrests.
Despite the dangers, women continue to resist and advocate for education. Ms. Mubariz's online school now educates 12,000 girls across the country, demonstrating their commitment to fighting for their rights. The report concludes with the acknowledgment of the risks involved in their activism, as they strive for a future where education and freedom are accessible to all.