KABUL: The 1402 solar year’s first round of university examinations commenced on Thursday, drawing nearly 24,000 participants from 11 out of 34 provinces. Regrettably, female students were not allowed to take part in the examination, sparking criticism from various quarters.
Qudratullah Ahmadi, a prominent member of the national examination authority, shed light on the event’s scale and significance, stating, There are 24,000 people attending the examination in 11 provinces, which will take place today and tomorrow, according to Afghan media.
Addressing the gathered participants, Governor Abdul Rahman Haqqani of Baghlan encouraged them to pursue their educational aspirations, promising support from the Islamic Emirate in securing job opportunities in the future.
Female students’ exclusion from examinations stirs controversy
However, the exclusion of female students from the examination stirred controversy, with some expressing their discontent and urging authorities to reconsider their decision. Hadia Mohammadi, a female student who longed to partake in the examination, pleaded, We also want to be part of it and shape our future. I request they allow girls to access education.
Another resident of Jawzjan, Fatima, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the community fervently desired the reopening of schools for girls. Such sentiments were shared by Jamia Amini, who passionately argued If Afghan girls have access to education and knowledge, a good government will be created. Today is the examination day for university entrance, but we girls are deprived of it.
Male students, too, joined in advocating for the inclusion of their female counterparts in the examination. Mohammad Ghafran, a participant from Jawzjan, expressed their primary aspiration, our main wish is to reopen universities and schools, highlighting the significance of education for all.
Amrullah Safi, another participant from Jawzjan, emphasized that education was a religious obligation for all Muslims and questioned the rationale behind denying girls the opportunity to learn. There is nothing suggesting that men should learn but not girls, Safi asserted.
Notably, the National Examination Authority (NEXA) had previously announced that only male students would be permitted to attend the university entrance examination this year.
The absence of female students in the examination casts a shadow over the importance of gender equality in education. As Afghanistan moves forward, it remains crucial for the interim government to address such concerns and work towards a more inclusive educational landscape that empowers all citizens, regardless of gender, to pursue their academic dreams.
