The Taliban stopped 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 shuts down one of the last remaining avenues for women’s education in the country. gives, The BBC Reported

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

While The BBC While not officially confirmed by the Taliban’s health ministry, the closure is in line with the group’s ongoing policy that has seen strict restrictions on women’s education since returning to power in August 2021. However, the Taliban have promised that girls will be allowed back to school once the curriculum is completed. “Islamic”, these changes have not yet been implemented.

For women in Afghanistan, midwifery and nursing were still among the few career options available under the Taliban’s strict laws, as male doctors could not treat women without a male guardian.

Just three months ago, The BBC Visited a midwifery training center run by the Taliban, where women expressed pride in their education. However, many feared that even this limited opportunity could be taken away.

The closure leaves nearly 17,000 women in limbo, uncertain about their education and career futures. Videos shared by students show emotional scenes, some of them silently protesting as they leave their college.

The latest Taliban action raises concerns about the future of women’s health care in Afghanistan, which already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

The United Nations has called for 18,000 more midwives to tackle the country’s health care challenges.