Anonymous, ex-teacher, female
Most of my family members are teachers, mother, sister, and brother. With the arrival of the Taliban, we lost our jobs.
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ATROAfghan Teachers' Rights Observatory
Education InternationalElevating and Amplifying the Voices of Afghan Teachers on the Global Stage
The Education International Afghan Teachers' Rights Observatory is a vital tool to shed light on the Taliban's repressive actions. It provides critical, real-time insights into abuses of teachers' rights and the wider climate of fear surrounding girls' education.
We salute teachers and their unions in these harsh circumstances, for their resilience, bravery and determination to continue to fight for the right to education in Afghanistan, especially for girls. We salute those teachers, both men and women, who continue to advocate for girls' and women's rights, despite the risks to their own lives. Their actions are inspirational!
Situation in Afghanistan
The Situation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is going through a humanitarian catastrophe following the Taliban’s seizing of power on 15th August 2021. The financial freeze, the ban on schools, the closure of the borders, and continuous tackling and tracking of teachers, activists and human rights’ defenders in the country, has forced many to flee their beloved land for better living conditions and a peaceful future.
Read more about the situation in AfghanistanThe Observatory
ATRO mission and objectives
The aims and objectives of ATRO are to:
- Monitor, document, assess and report on the situation on the ground, including:
- Human, labour and trade union rights’ violations, with particular focus on gender equity
- Payment or non-payment of teachers’ salaries
- Restrictions on women teachers working in boys’ schools
- The safety and psycho-social well-being of women teachers
- Curriculum adherence to meeting SDG standards (inclusive, evidence based)
Education International
Who we are and what we stand for – our values
Education International (EI) is the Global Union Federation that brings together organisations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 383 (check if this number has changed) member organisations, we represent more than 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories. (need to get most up to date data from Duncan Smith)
Read more about Education InternationalTestimonies
Hamidullah, a male teacher in an Islamic school in the Balkh province
All my 9th grade students are struggling under very difficult circumstances. I myself have a salary of 9,000 afghanis (123 USD). This is unsustainable. Life is very bitter for me and my family.
Read more Read moreAnonymous, Female Teacher
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.
Read more Read moreAbdul, a male teacher for 15 years in a boys’ school in Balkh
I am proud of being a teacher because we have a sacred duty, but we are not considered with respect. I am also very angry that the girls' schools have been closed, as I firmly believe in every girl's right to education.
Read more Read moreSherin, female teacher for 7 years in a boys’ school in Herat
Female teachers like me now face the challenging situation where girls' schools have been closed, and female teachers have been relocated to distant areas. The increased pressure and the loss of privileges associated with my previous teaching career have left me very disillusioned.
Read more Read moreAnonymous
Although the Taliban’s education minister had promised that Afghan teachers’ salaries would increase, there are many problems. The Taliban’s policy of not allowing male teachers to teach girls and female teachers to teach boys has made things worse.
Read more Read moreSimin, female, has been teaching for 18 years in a primary girls' school in Herat
I became a member of a teacher union because professional representation is crucial. However, our current circumstances are challenging, and I find myself extremely unhappy.
Read more Read moreFreba, a female teacher in a girls’ school in Balkh
Over the last two years, women in our country have encountered unprecedented restrictions, revealing a stark disregard for our humanity. Through our union we call for improved basic pay, professional autonomy, and enhanced social security.
Read more Read moreZahra, a female teacher in a secondary girls’ school in Nangarhar
High officials impose significant restrictions on us. Female teachers in particular have no personal freedoms. Sometimes I doubt whether our profession is respected.
Read more Read moreUpdates
Afghanistan : Humanitarian Relief for Teachers Affected by the Earthquake in Kunar
2025-11-14
On 31 August 2025, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan. The tremor caused catastrophic damage killing more than 2,500 people, injuring thousands, and destroying homes, as well as many schools.
In this context of devastation, Education International (EI) and its affiliate, the National Teachers Elected Council (NTEC), mobilized quickly to provide humanitarian assistance to unionized teachers affected by the disaster. This initiative illustrates the solidarity and commitment of the global education community through EI.
Read moreAfghanistan: Survey provides meaningful insights into the experiences of teachers and students under the Taliban regime
2024-03-25
Education International (EI) hosted a union side event at the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) to highlight the plight of girls and women teachers in Afghanistan who have been forbidden from going to school and teaching since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
Read moreIn their own words: the harsh reality of Afghan teachers
2024-01-29
Shakila* is a dedicated teacher with over 15 years of service in the Balkh Province of Afghanistan. Since the most recent takeover of the Taliban in 2021 which led to the shutdown of education for girls, attacks on female teachers, and a crackdown on the rights of women, Shakila reports feeling a profound sadness caused by living in an unsafe environment. Beyond her personal hardships, the closure of schools for her daughters and female students adds a strong sense of injustice. Partial and irregular salary payments for teachers exacerbate the already difficult conditions the education sector faces. Despite the challenges, Shakila remains passionately committed to advocating for academic freedom, emphasizing the need for an equitable educational environment.
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