The Taliban government has removed about 140 books written by women, including textbooks on chemistry and social sciences, from university programs as part of a new ban. In total, 679 books have been restricted, deemed “concerning” due to “policies that contradict Sharia and the Taliban movement.”
Source: Bukvy
Additionally, universities are prohibited from teaching 18 subjects, including courses on human rights, sexual harassment, and disciplines focused on women, such as “Gender and Development,” “The Role of Women in Communication,” and “Women’s Sociology.”
The Deputy Director for Academic Affairs at the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education stated that the decision was made by a group of religious scholars and experts. According to the commission, some books by Iranian authors are also banned to “prevent the infiltration of Iranian content” into Afghan educational programs.
Former Deputy Minister of Justice Zakia Adeli noted that this policy was expected: “Considering the misogynistic mindset and policies of the Taliban, it is natural that women are not allowed to study, and their ideas and work are suppressed.”
University lecturers express concern about a significant vacuum in higher education, as books by Iranian authors were an important bridge between Afghan universities and the global academic community. Due to the ban, they are forced to prepare materials themselves in accordance with the new restrictions.
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