Publication
Afghanistan Higher Education Gender Analysis
The report builds on both a document review of the previous two decades of HE policies; and informal interviews with a gender-balanced sample of 8 teachers and 8 students across nine universities, (three Public), in 6 provinces. Data from both the desk review and informant interviews explored the facilitators and constraints to female access and persistence; the quality and relevance of learning; and impacts of the wider political and economic environment.
The suspension of higher education for women has detrimental impacts on women’s mental health and perpetuates gaps in education opportunities, economic and societal advancements, which would reinforce traditional gender roles and norms. The suspension may also lead to increasing fertility and birth rates, requiring adequacy of infrastructure and essential social services – a challenge that Afghanistan is already grappling with in the present time.
