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.

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Shahira, a female teacher for 3 years in a secondary school in Balkh

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

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