It was the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, who uttered the words, “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”

Her words came to mind following the decision of Afghanistan’s rulers, the Taliban, to ban female students from attending university on 20 December last year. This decision took immediate effect. Since returning to power in August 2021, after the US hasty withdrawal, the Taliban have been steadfast in the implementation of atrocious decisions that have taken the struggles for women’s emancipation centuries backwards. Girls have been banned from middle and high schools in addition to being restricted from most employment. Dress codes restrictions were also tightened with women expected to wear head-to-toe clothing in public. They have also been banned from parks and gyms...