Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on reported restrictions on Afghan women’s education in medical faculties

NEW YORK (December 4, 2024) – “I am deeply alarmed by reports that the de facto authorities in Afghanistan plan to ban women from studying in medical faculties, including fields critical to the health of women and children such as nursing, midwifery, and gynaecology.

“UNICEF is still determining the veracity of these differing accounts and welcomes efforts to address the issue. If confirmed, this ban is expected to immediately halt the medical education of thousands of women and jeopardize women and girls’ access to health care.

“If implemented, this would be another devastating blow to the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, continuing a trend of exclusion and denial of opportunities for half of the country’s population. It would not only further limit the ability of women to contribute to society and earn an income but would also have far-reaching consequences for the health of the entire Afghan population. Lives would be lost.

“Afghanistan is already facing a desperate shortage of trained health workers, especially women. Female health professionals play a vital role in ensuring that women receive adequate maternal care, that children are vaccinated, and that communities have access to essential health services.

“Without female providers, women are less likely to seek antenatal care during pregnancy and less likely to deliver their babies safely and in clinics. In a country where women and children depend on female health professionals for culturally sensitive care, cutting the pipeline of future health providers would put lives at risk.

“UNICEF calls on the de facto authorities to continue to allow women to pursue medical education. The future of Afghanistan’s health care system depends on the full participation of male and female medical professionals.”

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For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, jburaczenski@unicefusa.org