Hamid Karzai: Development of human societies requires role of women and girls
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai stated on International Day of Women and Girls in Science that the growth and development of human societies in various dimensions requires the active participation of women and girls.
Karzai said societal development is possible only if women and girls have access to science. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026—corresponding to 22 Dalwa in the Afghan calendar—he expressed appreciation for the role of Afghan women and girls in social life. He advised them to strive by all possible means to access science, education, and participate in Afghanistan's development.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11, aims to promote full and equal access and participation of women and girls in science. This observance comes amid at least 1,607 days of deprivation of Afghan women and girls from education under Taliban control.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) previously stated on this day that depriving Afghan girls of education paints a painful picture of the country's future. UNAMA noted that educational institutions remain closed to girls in Afghanistan and marked the day with "deep sorrow."
Karzai has repeatedly called on the Taliban to open schools and other educational institutions to Afghan women and girls.
The ban on women's education under Taliban control has drawn reactions from international organizations and various countries, including Islamic nations. The Taliban have described the prohibition on girls' education as an internal matter and urged foreigners not to interfere.
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