UNICEF asked the Taliban on Saturday to let girls go back to school when the new school year starts in Afghanistan. The ban against girls attending middle and high school has lasted three years already. UNICEF says this hurts the futures of millions of Afghan girls across the country. Their leader, Catherine Russell, pointed out that if this ban stays until 2030, more than four million girls will miss out on education past elementary school.
This creates terrible problems for these girls and the entire country. The effects hit healthcare, the economy, and what Afghanistan can become. UNICEF points out that when fewer girls learn in school, more end up in child marriages that damage their health and well-being. The country will run short of trained women doctors and nurses because of this policy. This puts lives at risk every day.
Russell explained that without enough female medical staff, Afghan women and girls cannot access the care they need. UNICEF expects about 1,600 more mothers will die during childbirth, and over 3,500 babies will not survive. These numbers represent real families torn apart by preventable deaths. The rights of Afghan girls have been trampled for more than three years, and UNICEF demands they return to classrooms immediately.
Afghanistan cannot succeed when half its people cannot learn or contribute. These bright young girls deserve an education just like boys do. The damage from this ban will harm many future generations. Despite these challenges, UNICEF has helped 445,000 children access some form of education. Girls make up 64 percent of those helped. The organization also supports women teachers who keep teaching despite difficult circumstances.
This creates terrible problems for these girls and the entire country. The effects hit healthcare, the economy, and what Afghanistan can become. UNICEF points out that when fewer girls learn in school, more end up in child marriages that damage their health and well-being. The country will run short of trained women doctors and nurses because of this policy. This puts lives at risk every day.
Russell explained that without enough female medical staff, Afghan women and girls cannot access the care they need. UNICEF expects about 1,600 more mothers will die during childbirth, and over 3,500 babies will not survive. These numbers represent real families torn apart by preventable deaths. The rights of Afghan girls have been trampled for more than three years, and UNICEF demands they return to classrooms immediately.
Afghanistan cannot succeed when half its people cannot learn or contribute. These bright young girls deserve an education just like boys do. The damage from this ban will harm many future generations. Despite these challenges, UNICEF has helped 445,000 children access some form of education. Girls make up 64 percent of those helped. The organization also supports women teachers who keep teaching despite difficult circumstances.
