Taliban Bans Books by Women and Key Subjects in Afghan Universities
Women gather to demand their rights under Taliban rule during a protest in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon, File)
The Taliban government has issued new directives requiring Afghan universities to remove all books written by women and to stop teaching nearly 20 academic subjects, including human rights and sexual harassment. The restrictions, introduced in late August, mark another step in the regime’s systematic rollback of women’s rights and academic freedom.
According to the BBC, 680 books have been flagged as “problematic,” with approximately 140 authored by women. These range from scientific texts—such as Safety in the Chemical Laboratory—to works focused on women’s rights. Six of the 18 banned subjects deal specifically with women, covering topics like gender studies, women’s roles in society, and communication.
An additional 200 academic courses remain under review, the Independent reports.
The Taliban claim the changes reflect their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan cultural values. Ziaur Rahman Aryubi, an academic official in the Taliban administration, said the decisions were made by a panel of religious scholars.
The ban also targets over 300 publications by Iranian authors and publishers. One reviewer described the move as part of a broader effort to curtail Iranian influence. Relations between Afghanistan and Iran have grown increasingly tense in recent years, particularly over water disputes, Al Jazeera notes.
Since the Taliban regained control four years ago, they have imposed a series of measures drastically limiting education and employment opportunities for women. Girls are already banned from schooling beyond sixth grade, and midwifery programs—previously one of the few professional paths available to women—were shut down at the end of 2024.
Educators warn the latest restrictions will severely impact the quality of higher education. Professors are now expected to develop their own teaching materials under tight ideological constraints. The Taliban’s Ministry of Education has not responded to requests for comment.
Separately, the regime has also imposed an internet blackout, citing concerns over “immoral activities.”
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