New Afghan Government Announce New Stringent Rules For Female Students

The Taliban say afghan universities will be segregated by gender, and a new Islamic dress code will be introduced.

Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani indicated women would be allowed to study, but not alongside men while announcing a review of subjects taught.

Women and girls were banned from schools and universities under Taliban rule between 1996 and 2001.

The Taliban have said they will not prevent women from being educated or having jobs but since they seized control on 15 August, they have asked all women, except those in the public health sector, to stay away from work, until the security situation improves.

The announcement of the higher education policy comes a day after the Taliban raised their flag over the presidential palace, signaling the beginning of their administration after seizing control from the elected government a month ago.

The policy marks a significant change from the accepted practice before the Taliban takeover.

Universities were co-educational, with men and women studying side by side, and female students did not have to abide by a dress code.

But Haqqani was unapologetic about bringing an end to mixed classes.

Some have suggested that the new rules will exclude women from education because the universities do not have the resources to provide separate classes.

However, Haqqani insisted there are enough female teachers and that where they are not available alternatives will be found.

Girls and boys will also be segregated at primary and secondary schools, which was already common throughout Afghanistan.

Women will be required to wear hijabs but Haqqani did not specify if additional face coverings would be made compulsory.