Afghan women at university must study in female-only classrooms: Taliban

Kabul: In an announcement stoking fears that a gender apartheid will be imposed on the country under the new regime, Taliban has said that Afghan female students can attend higher education institutions and universities but in gender-separated classes.

Abdul Baqi Haqqani, acting minister of higher education of the new Taliban government has also noted that Islamic dress will also be compulsory for the female students while attending classes.

The minister noted that "boys and girls would not study together, they will be separated," as co-education scheme has been against Islamic principle and national values.

"All government-run universities will reopen soon. Higher education authorities are working on regulations as students will return to their classes," Xinhua news agency quoted Haqqani as saying to reporters here on Sunday.

Female students will also only be allowed to be taught by women. Haqqani also said the subjects being taught at universities would be reviewed.

The Taliban have promised their new government will be more representative and respectful of the rights of women and girls – though still within an "Islamic framework" – than when they previously held power between 1996 and 2001.

The report came as an Afghan female student secured a top position at a national university entrance exam this year.

Being affected by the Covid-19 lockdown earlier this year, the Afghan universities were closed after the Taliban takeover of the country in mid-August.

However, a number of private universities reopened last week after the Taliban announced a caretaker government in Afghanistan.