Under Taliban rule in the 1990s, girls were banned from getting an education. Following their takeover, Zabihullah Mujahid, the group’s spokesman, made promises that “there will be no discrimination against women”.

However, since the Taliban regained power again in August 2021, only primary schools have remained open for girls (while all boys’ schools have remained open in most of the country).

Human Rights Watch previously warned that the Taliban is continually violating the rights of women and girls across a number of categories, including education, employment, freedom of movement, dress, gender-based violence, access to healthcare and sport.

The government notice claimed that schools would reopen after a decision over the uniform of female students was made in accordance with “Sharia law and Afghan tradition”.

Videos shared on social media showed schoolgirls in tears as they expressed their anger, confusion and disappointment at the decree.

Afghanistan: Malala Yousafzai speaks out as the Taliban backtrack on reopening high schools for girls