'I hide to cry': Torment of Afghan fathers as daughters deprived of education

Across Afghanistan, fathers are gripped with despair as the Taliban's ban on education for their daughters cuts off opportunities beyond primary school. The Taliban justifies the restriction on their interpretation of Islamic law, but some devout fathers insist the Quran does not limit education to males. The ban, now in place for over four years, has left many fathers sleepless, as they contemplate how to help their bright and frustrated daughters.

A UN survey found that nearly two-thirds of Afghan men consider it pious for a father to support their daughter’s education, with nine out of 10 believing girls should attend secondary school.

The ban came into effect in March 2022, when the Taliban returned to power, and universities were closed to women later that year. While the Taliban government claims the restriction is temporary, at least one million girls may be directly affected. Engineers like Ahmad, whose wife is a secondary school maths teacher, describe the emotional torment of watching their daughters potentially become illiterate, as the sixth grade marks the end of formal education.

Fathers like Mohammad, a doctor, have tried clandestine methods to keep their daughters learning, such as enrolling them in a private school that charges higher fees due to the increased risk. However, these options come at a steep price, and with international aid dwindling, many fathers are left wondering if they can provide their children with the education they deserve. For now, these fathers hide their tears and continue searching for ways to ensure their daughters can learn, even if it means risking their own safety.