Education International

ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory

Testimony

Shakila, a female teacher for over 15 years in a girls’ school in the Balkh province

I have been very unhappy for the last year due to the unsafe situation. Unfortunately, my daughters are currently not allowed to attend school, which badly impacts their morale. As a teacher, I continue to go to school, while my daughters remain at home. This imbalance is unjust, and the situation is taking a toll on all of us.

Furthermore, I have only received partial and irregular portions of my salary, which adds to the challenges we are facing.

Beyond the fundamental right to education for all girls, I strongly believe that teachers should have academic freedom. This would not only contribute to a more equitable educational environment but also empower educators to better fulfill their roles in shaping the future. I hope these issues can be addressed to create a more just and supportive educational system for students and teachers.

More Testimonies

Anonymous, female teacher

I remember when I became a teacher, I realized the decency of this job, I realized that my path in this life had been destined since childhood. I realized the love and affection and the passion that flowed from nowhere in my being and unknowingly came to me every day.

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Anonymous, female secondary school teacher, union, and women’s rights activist

I am a former provincial leader of the National Teachers’ Elected Council. At the same time, I have been a women’s rights activist for a long time, advocating for girls’ education and participation of women in different organizations. Due to my engagement with teachers’ union and women’s rights activism, I was one of the most well-known people in my city which put me in imminent danger.

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Anonymous, female, university professor

Before the Taliban came to power, I was teaching in a school. Two months after they came to power, I could no longer teach.

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All testimonies