Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Anonymous, Female Teacher

I studied stomatology and became a dental doctor. However, I had an ambition from my childhood to become a professional teacher. After I graduated in biology I taught in a school in Kabul for several years.

When the Taliban regime took over the country everything changed. Ministries closed, banks closed, public services were not available, schools were closed, business was paused, and universities also closed.

Alongside men, there were lots of women working in different departments, including teaching across the country. I and other female teachers face many challenges.

Salary problems - When there is no salary for 3 three months how we can pay rent? Our salary was not enough for us to save money.

Food for family – The average expense for a person daily in Afghanistan is 2.5 dollars.

Oil and Gas - There is no electricity, and everyone all uses gas and oil every day.

Clothes - Winter is starting and every person needs warm clothes.

High inflation - Everything is expensive now in Afghanistan, such as petrol 1 litre 75 AF, gas one kg about 100 AF and flour is at its highest rate now.

All the problems mentioned above have direct effect of the mental health of a jobless teacher. We are still at home and if the schools, especially for girls, will not open soon, it will cause lots of problems in society. Up until now there is nothing in the law which declares the rights of women in Afghanistan and maybe universities and school may closed forever.

More Testimonies

Hasina, a female teacher in a boys’ school in the Badakhashan province

Female teachers are treated as if we were toys or mere pawns. One day, we are asked to sign, and the next day, we are told not to come to school. The frustration witnessed through the eyes of our students is beyond words, filled with sadness and resentment. This has been our reality for a year.

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Mawlana, a male teacher for 3 years in a secondary boys’ school in Samangan

In recent months, the situation has not been easy. What gives me energy is seeing how important education is for Afghan citizens. I am totally in favour of girls being able to go to school and women being able to teach like men. I am a member of a trade union and I see what they do to defend teachers like me.

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Seyed, a male teacher for over 20 years in a secondary boys’ school in Herat

I was happy when I was teaching the upper classes, but I have now been at home for the past two years. I firmly believe that girls should have the right to education and female teachers should be allowed to teach boys.

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All testimonies