Story perspectives

Taliban Bans 680 Books, Targets Women's Studies in Universities

9/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Taliban has banned 680 books, including 140 by women, from Afghan universities, citing "anti-Sharia" content.
They prohibited eighteen subjects, including human rights and women's studies, with six focused on women's issues.
The ban also targets books by Iranian authors to limit foreign influence in education.
Critics, like former Deputy Justice Minister Zakia Adeli, argue this reflects misogynistic policies harming higher education.
The Taliban claims to uphold women's rights according to their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law, despite widespread condemnation.

History

Historical Context

After the Taliban's fall in 2001, Afghanistan saw a rise in female literacy from 12% in 2000 to 30% by 2010, reflecting a brief educational reform. However, the recent ban on 680 books, including those authored by women, echoes past oppressive policies that restricted women's rights and education, raising concerns about the future of Afghan women's access to education and potential international isolation due to human rights violations.

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Story summary

The Taliban has banned 680 books, including 140 by women, from Afghan universities, citing "anti-Sharia" content.
They prohibited eighteen subjects, including human rights and women's studies, with six focused on women's issues.
The ban also targets books by Iranian authors to limit foreign influence in education.
Critics, like former Deputy Justice Minister Zakia Adeli, argue this reflects misogynistic policies harming higher education.
The Taliban claims to uphold women's rights according to their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law, despite widespread condemnation.

1 / 2