KABUL, Afghanistan (Dispatches) — As Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers mark five years since sweeping back to power, some Kabul residents say they feel safer after decades of conflict but stress the leaders should now focus on creating jobs and expanding access to schools in a country where girls above the age of 12 remain banned from education.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, launching an offensive as U.S. and NATO troops withdrew after two decades of war. The withdrawal led to chaotic scenes at Kabul’s airport with thousands seeking to leave.
“Thank God, the past five years have passed in safety,” said Muhammad Qasim, 30. “Our wish and hope from the government is to create job opportunities for the youth.”
The group initially pledged to protect women’s rights but soon banned girls and women from attending secondary school and higher education, citing its interpretations of Islamic law. It later imposed restrictions on women’s employment and traveling without a male guardian.
While the UN has acknowledged Afghanistan has become more stable, it has warned that lasting stability cannot be achieved unless the Taliban rulers — who remain isolated internationally — lift restrictions on women and girls.
“A reduction in conflict has brought tangible benefits for many Afghans,” the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said. However, it added that restrictions on women and girls impede Afghanistan’s recovery and reintegration with the international community.
Fazila Soroush, a 39-year-old Kabul-based entrepreneur and women’s rights advocate, said the government had “demonstrated its worth to the people through its actions in every area” and called for a “clear and practical decision” on reopening schools.
Taliban deputy minister Molvi Hayatullah Mahajar Farahi said the administration has delivered security, stabilized the currency, improved infrastructure and formed industrial parks. He rejected a UN report documenting terrorist networks in Afghanistan as “enemy propaganda.” Asked about international isolation, Farahi insisted the government was engaged with some 40 countries, though it is only formally recognized by Russia.
The bans have left an estimated 2.4 million girls excluded from secondary education, UNESCO said — a 200,000 increase from last year. The agency said 53% of primary school-aged children are out of school.
In Kabul, Dost Muhammad Khan expressed support for the Taliban, saying the past five years have brought stability, but urged authorities to allow women to attend school.
“We call upon the Islamic Emirate to permit women to attend school under the sharia dress code,” said the 38-year-old.