The European Union, in a message posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, stated that it remains committed — alongside its global partners — to providing Afghan women and girls with opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth.
The message reads:
“Afghan girls deserve more opportunities, not restrictions! Together with our partners, we work to equip women and young girls with the skills and support they need to study, work, and thrive — so they can lead their communities toward a better future.”
This statement comes as secondary and high schools have remained closed to Afghan girls for years, which, according to international organizations, has created the world’s deepest education crisis.
According to a recent UNICEF report, more than 1.5 million girls in Afghanistan are deprived of formal education — making Afghanistan the only country in the world that bars girls from secondary and higher education.
In addition, UNESCO has warned that this ongoing ban threatens an entire generation of Afghan women with oblivion, poverty, and social isolation.
In its 2025 report, UNESCO wrote:
“Education is not only a fundamental human right but also the foundation of sustainable development in any society. The structural exclusion of women from education inflicts irreparable harm on Afghanistan’s progress.”
Despite these challenges, the European Union reaffirmed its focus on empowering Afghan women and girls and called for the restoration of their educational and employment rights.
