Afghan girls turn to madrasas for education

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — With schools and universities still barred to girls, many Afghan women are pursuing religious studies, even as they urge authorities to restore access to formal education.

Girls and women in Afghanistan are increasingly enrolling in religious madrasas to continue their education after schools and universities were closed to them, according to TOLOnews.

A group of female students recently graduated from a religious madrasa in Kabul, celebrating the completion of their studies while calling on the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools and universities for women and girls.

“I began memorizing the Holy Quran three years ago, and I’m very happy to be among the graduates today,” said Lailma Wahidi, one of the graduates.

Another graduate, Hadiya, urged families to support their daughters’ education despite restrictions. “If schools are closed, at least madrasas are still open,” she said.

The madrasa’s administration said more than 100 girls have completed their studies there, and efforts are underway to expand access to religious education for more students.

Abdul Basir Rizwan, head of the madrasa, said cooperation among scholars and female teachers had helped sustain the program. “Over the past two years, we have worked together, and as a result, 102 students are graduating today,” he said.

Schools and universities for girls have been closed for nearly four years, forcing many Afghan women and girls to seek alternative forms of education through religious institutions.