Girls Deprived of In-Person Education Turn to Online Learning Amid Challenges

A number of Afghan girls, barred from schools and universities by the Taliban, have turned to online education. They say it cannot replace in-person learning but provides an opportunity to continue studying. Students emphasize challenges including power outages, weak internet, economic limitations, and traditional family beliefs that hinder their active participation.

Despite Taliban closures of educational institutions, online classes have emerged as a way for girls and women to pursue studies, supported by some advocacy groups. Mediha Mirzad, a student learning English and computer skills online in the Gulaee Park area near Maryam Zindagi high school, cites frequent power cuts—only about two hours of electricity daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—as a major issue. "This has prevented me from attending many classes," she said. She added that poor internet quality and high data costs limit effective learning, while online formats struggle with concept comprehension, student motivation, exam transparency, and cheating risks.

Latifa Batorian, a psychology student at Free University of Afghanistan, noted that many families do not recognize online education as formal. Her family initially withheld support, believing it yields no results. She highlighted economic barriers, high internet costs amid women's job restrictions, lack of devices like smartphones or computers, and poor connectivity.

Online instructors echo these views. Lina Taraki, a math teacher at an online academy, said virtual classes cannot fully replace in-person ones, where students are more focused. "In online settings, controlling attention is harder," she said, advocating interactive methods to maintain engagement.

Maryam Halimi, manager of an online school in Kabul established after the closures, said her institution aims to provide high-quality education and skills training for girls.