Hamid Karzai Advocates for Afghan Girls’ Education
In Kabul, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with Roza Otenbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, to discuss the urgent need to reopen schools and universities for girls. Karzai emphasized the importance of education in empowering women and creating an inclusive society. He appreciated the UN’s efforts in providing educational facilities and strengthening women’s economic power.
Karzai highlighted the necessity of national understanding for peace and stability, urging more cooperation to reopen educational institutions for girls. On social media, he reiterated his call for action.
UNICEF’s Concerns
Catherine Russell, head of UNICEF, expressed concern over Afghan girls’ limited prospects, often confined to early marriage due to being kept at home. She urged global voices to support Afghan girls and women, emphasizing that no country can progress if half its population is excluded.
Impact of Taliban Policies
A UN survey revealed that Taliban policies have negatively impacted family attitudes towards girls’ education, with increased fears and patriarchal norms reducing support. Over 50% of Afghan women and girls feel community support for education has declined.
The Taliban’s oppressive rules further silence Afghan women, with new bans preventing them from hearing each other’s voices, as reported by the New York Post. Khalid Hanafi, the Talibani Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated that women should not pray loudly enough for others to hear.
Doubts Revealed
Hamid Karzai -: Hamid Karzai is a politician who was the President of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. He is known for his efforts to rebuild Afghanistan after years of conflict.
UN Officials -: UN Officials are people who work for the United Nations, an international organization that helps countries work together to solve global problems like poverty and education.
UNICEF -: UNICEF is a part of the United Nations that focuses on helping children around the world, making sure they have food, education, and healthcare.
Catherine Russell -: Catherine Russell is a leader at UNICEF who works to improve the lives of children, especially in places where they face challenges like not being able to go to school.
Taliban -: The Taliban is a group in Afghanistan that has strict rules, especially about how people should live and what women and girls can do, like going to school.
New York Post -: The New York Post is a newspaper in the United States that reports on news from around the world, including stories about Afghanistan.
