Rashid Khan took to social media to respond to Taliban’s decision to ban women from medical education. (X)
Afghanistan cricket superstar Rashid Khan on Wednesday urged the Taliban government to reconsider the ban on medical training for women in the country.
On Monday, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a directive barring women from attending medical and semi-professional institutes, which was recognised as one of the last-surviving options for higher education for women in Afghanistan since late 2021. The Taliban government barred girls from secondary education past sixth grade in September 2021 before closure of colleges in 2022.
“The Taliban have also banned women in some provinces from being treated by male medical professionals, which means that this new decree, halting the training of new female healthcare workers, will result in unnecessary pain, misery, sickness, and death for the women forced to go without health care, as there won’t be female healthcare workers to treat them,” the Human Rights Watch reported on Tuesday.
Responding to the Taliban decision, Rashid stressed that “education holds a central place in Islamic teachings, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge for both men and women.”
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— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 4, 2024
“It is with deep sadness and disappointment that I reflect on the recent closures of educational and medical institutions for the sisters and mothers of Afghanistan. This decision has profoundly affected not only their future but also the broader fabric of our society. The pain and sorrow they express through social media serve as a poignant reminder of the struggles they face. Afghanistan, our beloved homeland, stands at a critical juncture,” Rashid added.
Reports have stated that the Taliban’s decision will only worsen the conditions where Afghanistan are facing dire shortage of medical professionals.
“The country desperately needs professionals in every field, especially in the medical sector. The acute shortage of female doctors and nurses is particularly concerning, as it directly impacts the healthcare and dignity of women. It is essential for our sisters and mothers to have access to care provided by medical professionals who truly understand their needs. I sincerely appeal for the reconsideration of this decision so that Afghan girls may reclaim their right to education and contribute to the nation’s development. Providing education to all is not just a societal responsibility but a moral obligation deeply rooted in our faith and values,” the 26-year-old added.
Rashid has emerged as one of Afghanistan’s leading sporting icons over the last decade. The spin wizard also led his country to a historic ICC T20 World Cup semi-final spot in the West Indies earlier this year.
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