OIC Expresses Concern over Afghan Ban on Women’s Medical Education

Over the past couple of days, Afghan women have seen yet again their fundamental rights to education severely compromised. Recent reports from Kabul indicate that a decree was laid down banning women from pursuing nursing and midwifery courses.

In the wake of this alarming development that runs counter to relevant Resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the OIC General Secretariat expresses its grave concern over this unexpected and deeply disappointing directive.

The General Secretariat deplores this new restrictive decree barring women from pursuing medical education. Such a decision comes not just as a frustrating blow to the basic rights of Afghan women, but it is also likely to produce a detrimental impact on Afghanistan’s healthcare system which is facing formidable challenges.

The General Secretariat has been quite hopeful that through its committed and constructive engagement with the de facto authorities in Kabul, positive measures would be deployed to lift any ban on Afghan young women and girls to access education in line with OIC’s Resolutions and women’s rights in Islam.

The General Secretariat insistently calls upon the de facto authorities in Kabul to revisit these latest measures.