Afghan women are the only women in the world banned from secondary education.

Omissions

• The ban in Afghanistan is broader than stated: it covers both secondary and higher (university) education, not only secondary education.
• The term 'women' in relation to secondary education more precisely refers to adolescent girls aged approximately 12 to 18; however, the ban also affects adult women's access to higher education.
• The ban has been in place since September 2021 and, as of the session date (May 2026), has persisted for nearly five years, affecting over 2.2 million girls.

Sources

• PrimaryUNESCOToday, Afghanistan stands out tragically as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is strictly forbidden to girls and women.
• PrimaryUNICEFToday, Afghanistan stands out tragically as the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is strictly forbidden to girls and women.
• PrimaryEuropean Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)In 2025, the ban on secondary education for girls remains in place and secondary schools remain closed for girls. Women's university studies were also banned.