Taliban marks five years in power as Afghanistan faces growing challenges
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Taliban marks five years in power as Afghanistan faces growing challenges
Murwarid ZiayeeUN Assistance Mission in AfghanistanUnited NationsNATOUNICEFUN WomenRight to Learn Afghanistan

Afghan advocates urge action for women as Taliban marks five years in power; girls banned from schooling beyond Grade 6

As the Taliban marks five years in power, Afghan advocates are urging immediate action for women and girls, who face severe restrictions including a ban on schooling beyond Grade 6 and exclusion from various jobs and public spaces, impacting millions across the country.

CTV News16 August 2026 · 13:01 UTC
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As the Taliban marks five years in power, Afghan women and girls continue to face severe restrictions that threaten their rights and futures. The regime has implemented a ban on girls' education beyond Grade 6, affecting 2.4 million girls who are denied access to schooling.13

Ziayee highlighted that many girls do not even reach Grade 6 due to financial constraints, exacerbating the crisis.

The Taliban's policies extend beyond education; women are barred from numerous jobs and public spaces, including parks and gyms.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has stated that these restrictions hinder the country's economic recovery and its reintegration into the international community.6

The situation is dire, with the United Nations reporting critical levels of child malnutrition and a sharp increase in child marriage due to economic calamity and global sanctions.5

The international community remains largely unresponsive, with only Russia formally recognizing the Taliban government, leaving Afghan women and girls in a precarious position as they advocate for their rights and seek urgent action.

Key Insight
“The Taliban's ban on medical education has left a dwindling number of women able to treat other women, amid strict cultural norms. The UN says sanctions and natural disasters have caused economic calamity and child malnutrition, while UNICEF reports a sharp increase in child marriage.”
Five years of Taliban rule: What has changed in Afghanistan? | DW News
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Five years of Taliban rule: What has changed in Afghanistan? | DW News
Five years on from the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan | BBC News
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Five years on from the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan | BBC News
Afghans mark five years of Taliban rule
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Afghans mark five years of Taliban rule
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CTV News
“The Taliban regained control over the Afghan capital on Aug. 15, 2021, prompting chaotic scenes of hordes of people clinging to foreign military jets in desperate attempts to escape.”
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Taliban marks five years in power with Kabul rally as supporters wave white flags; UNESCO says 2.4 million girls excluded from secondary education
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera
Taliban marks five years in power with Kabul rally as supporters wave white flags; UNESCO says 2.4 million girls excluded from secondary education

Thousands of Taliban supporters gathered in central Kabul, waving white flags and chanting religious slogans, as authorities marked five years since the group swept back into power.

Afghanistan TalibanChild MalnutritionFive Years Power
2026-08-16
TL;DR by CuriousCats.ai
  • Thousands of Taliban supporters have poured into central Kabul, waving white flags and chanting religious slogans, as authorities marked five years since the group swept back into power and brought an end to the Western-backed republic.
  • Senior officials addressed the crowd, praising what they called the 'victory of the Islamic Emirate' and promising to continue enforcing their vision of governance.
  • Taliban leaders used the anniversary to claim credit for restoring security and national sovereignty, pointing to the absence of large-scale fighting since foreign troops withdrew.
  • UNESCO estimated that 2.4 million girls have been excluded from secondary education.
  • Afghanistan's economy remains fragile, with billions of dollars in state reserves frozen abroad and banking restrictions squeezing businesses.
  • Many Kabul residents who stayed away from the rally expressed concerns over unemployment, rising prices, and shrinking freedoms overshadowing any sense of security.
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