Former Afghan President Advocates for Girls’ Education on International Day

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has emphasized the importance of girls’ education on International Day of the Girl Child and called for increased global support for them.

Reopening Educational Institutions for Girls is Essential

Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, reiterated the necessity of girls’ education on International Day of the Girl Child, stating that without reopening educational institutions, the country’s path to development and self-sufficiency would be unattainable.

On this day, he urged the international community to enhance their support for Afghan girls, saying, “The government must create conditions that allow girls to continue their education alongside boys and acquire essential skills.” Karzai also referenced cultural and religious values, stressing the importance of respecting the status of women.

Over 2.6 Million Girls Denied Continued Education

These remarks come in the wake of a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which reveals that over 2.6 million girls have been denied access to secondary education due to existing restrictions. This alarming statistic highlights the critical state of education in Afghanistan.

Additionally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned that Afghanistan is the only country that prohibits girls’ education beyond the sixth grade, noting that the continuation of this situation could severely damage the country’s human and economic capital.

The Urgent Need to Reopen Schools for Afghan Girls

Karzai also expressed hope that schools beyond the sixth grade and universities would soon reopen for all girls. He emphasized that this step would not only benefit girls but also the Afghan community as a whole, potentially paving the way for a brighter future.