The third round of university entrance exams in Kabul, Afghanistan, has started without the participation of girls for the fourth consecutive year. The Taliban-run National Examination Authority is conducting the exams, known as Kankor, for 12th grade graduates from Kabul province. Over 110,000 candidates have appeared in the first three rounds, with expectations of around 120,000 students participating after the fourth round.
The exclusion of girls from the exams has been ongoing for four years in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, girls have been banned from attending secondary schools beyond sixth grade and from studying at universities. This restriction has prevented female students from taking part in the Kankor exams, necessary for pursuing higher education in the country.
Criticism from the United Nations, foreign governments, and human rights organizations has been directed at the Taliban’s policy of excluding girls from education. Calls have been made for the reversal of these restrictions to ensure equal access to education for all.
Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has urged the reopening of schools and universities to girls and advocated for women’s participation in the workforce. He emphasized the importance of education in achieving progress and prosperity for the nation, calling for unity and empowerment through knowledge and technology among the youth.
