OIC Humanitarian Affairs Deputy Considers Girls' Education in Afghanistan Vital

Khalil Ibrahim Okur, deputy head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's Humanitarian Affairs Department, described girls' education in Afghanistan as a vital issue that supports individual advancement and contributes to the country's development and progress.

Okur expressed hope for cooperation with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to find solutions that provide access to education while addressing both societal concerns and government needs. In comments to Tolo News, he said: "We want to cooperate with the Afghan government to find an appropriate solution; a solution that meets the government's needs and takes into account society's concerns."

Girl students in Afghanistan continue to demand the reopening of schools and universities for females. Kosar, a student, said: "Our demand from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is that schools be opened to girls; so that we can study again and serve our country."

Lamia Shirzai, a women's rights activist, emphasized the urgency of education and job opportunities for girls and women, particularly in fields like medicine. She stated: "Acquiring knowledge and science for Afghan girls and creating job opportunities for girls and women is an urgent necessity of Afghan society; and it is the responsibility of government officials to pay attention to the growth and development of Afghanistan's future, especially in the medical field, without foreign interference."

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan maintains that the rights of all citizens, including women, are ensured within the framework of Islamic Sharia. However, girls above the sixth grade have been banned from attending schools and universities for nearly four years, with no clear timeline for reopening.