2.4 million Afghan girls lack access to secondary education since 2021

Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021, 2.4 million girls have lost access to secondary education. This figure has been cited by various organizations, including the UN and UNESCO, which warn of the seriousness of the educational situation in the country.

UNESCO highlights that if the current ban on girls' and women's access to education continues, the number could rise to around four million by 2030. This would place Afghanistan in the unique position of being the only country in the world to prevent girls from accessing secondary and higher education.

According to 2026 data, the number of girls without access to secondary education has increased by 200,000 compared to 2025, when there were 2.2 million. This increase reflects the consequences of the restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime on the educational system.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation of girls in Afghanistan, frequently calling for the Taliban regime to reconsider its stance on education. International observers believe that the ban will have a lasting impact on Afghan society.

Restrictions on educational access further reinforce Afghanistan's isolation in the global arena. The Taliban regime faces widespread condemnation from governments and organizations advocating for human rights, but concrete measures to change the situation have yet to be implemented.

Meanwhile, Afghan girls continue to be affected by the lack of opportunities and the restrictive environment that limits their educational and personal development, marking an educational crisis that requires urgent attention and decisive action.