DAP, PKR condemn Taliban for banning women from universities

 

DAP and PKR Women have condemned the Taliban government for banning women from attending universities in Afghanistan.

In a statement today, PKR Women chief Fadhlina Sidek urged the government to revoke the regressive decision that could widen the gender gap in the labour market in long run.

"I deeply regret that the Taliban government banned Afghan women from pursuing their studies at the university level and condemn the policy that promotes a regressive system.

"The restriction will widen the gender gap in competition in terms of quality employment opportunities, economic and social status," she said.

"This regressive and discriminatory education policy will also bring long-term effects and badly impact the foundation of the Islamic-based administration," added Fadhlina.

She also said the non-involvement of women in higher education institutions will eventually limit women's participation in the workforce.

"Therefore, I urge the Taliban government to consider revoking such restriction and restoring women's access to education in universities," said Fadhlina.

DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng

Meanwhile, DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng urged the Taliban to stop its gender discrimination behaviour.

"DAP condemns this misogynistic policy by the Taliban government in Afghanistan and hopes that all Malaysians, including those that professed admiration for the Taliban, can stand together with women all over the world to press for a reversal of this primitive ban of women from universities.

"Stop gender discrimination," said Lim in a statement.

On Dec 20, the Taliban government drew global flak for suspending access to universities by female students until further notice.

The decision came as many university students were sitting for their end-of-term exams.

In March, the Taliban drew criticism from many foreign governments and some Afghans for making a U-turn on signals that all girls' high schools would be opened. - Mkini