Taliban closes midwifery training for women in Afghanistan, further eroding rights

Women enrolled in midwifery and nursing courses across Afghanistan have been told not to return to class, a move that effectively closes off one of the last remaining avenues for female education in the country, BBC reported.

At least five institutions have confirmed the closure, following instructions from the Taliban, with distressing videos showing students crying over the decision.

While BBC has not received official confirmation from the Taliban health ministry, the closure fits with the group's ongoing policy that has seen female education severely restricted since their return to power in August 2021. Although the Taliban has promised to allow girls back into school once the curriculum is “Islamic,” these changes have not yet been implemented.

For women in Afghanistan, midwifery and nursing were some of the few career options still available under the Taliban's strict rules, as male doctors cannot treat women without a male guardian present. 

Just three months ago, the BBC visited a midwifery training centre run by the Taliban, where women expressed pride in their education. However, many feared that this limited opportunity might also be taken away.

The closure leaves around 17,000 women in limbo, uncertain about the future of their education and careers. Videos shared by students show emotional scenes, with some quietly protesting as they leave their colleges. 

This latest action by the Taliban raises concerns about the future of women's healthcare in Afghanistan, which already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. 

The UN has called for an additional 18,000 midwives to address the country’s healthcare challenges.