Taliban's Approval Holds Afghan Women's University Return

Afghanistan's universities are prepared to readmit female students, but the final decision lies with Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, according to an education official. The Taliban had banned women from campuses in December 2021, and girls had been prohibited from school beyond sixth grade since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021. The ban on female education remains in place until further notice, and universities will only reopen for women when Akhundzada orders the ban to be lifted. The official's comments highlight the diverging opinions within the Taliban and the authority wielded by Akhundzada.