Afghan girls willing to study in Dubai barred from leaving country
Updated: Aug 24th, 2023
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| Afghani girl studying (img: IANS) |
Girls intending to continue their higher studies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were barred from travelling by the Taliban in Afghanistan on Aug 23.
According to reports, around 63 girls were turned away from travelling to Dubai after an Emirati businessperson arranged for them to study in the UAE.
Fundamentalism disrupts a flight and many futures
Dreams to fly quite literally came crashing down as many girls intending to continue their further studies at the University of Dubai had to cut short their dreams and trips after the Taliban in Afghanistan terminated their travel.
The girls had already been issued student visas by the UAE’s foreign ministry for their higher studies. It is noteworthy that the Taliban regime, which rules the country, has imposed sanctions on the higher education of women.
A Dubai-based businessman, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, sponsored this study programme for the girls in December 2022.
He had sponsored their university admission, accommodation, transportation, health insurance, and many other comprehensive services for their comfort and safety.
In this adversity, businessman Al Habtoor took to X to convey his dismay over it.
"I am unable to express the disappointment I feel now as the Afghan female students, whom I had provided an educational scholarship... were unfortunately unable to reach Dubai airport," he said on the microblogging site.
Afghanistan backpedals to three-decade-old gender norms
Ever since the enforced takeover of Afghanistan by the Talibani forces in August 2021, the country has taken a nosedive in terms of the prevalence of a harmonious environment for women.
The current regime had promised a relatively moderate approach to their fundamentalist governance as compared to the one in the 1990s. However, they have been putting restrictions on activities and undertakings concerning women.
Girls in the country have been barred from studying higher than sixth grade since last year. Restrictions are imposed on women from working and involving themselves in local and non-governmental organisations. Recreational activities have also been barred for women in public spaces.
Recently, United Nations (UN) employees were disallowed to work in the country in April this year.
The Talibani regime has faced condemnations and dissent on global levels; however, the forces have remained stern over their approach to governing the country, which comprises nearly two crore female population of the total 4.01 crore.
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