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, Male Teacher

Where the Taliban ruled, there were no schools at all, and if there were, only boys were allowed to go to school and girls were deprived.

Read more Read more

Zuhal was a female teacher for 10 years in a girls’ school in Kabul

We do not have a good social and educational life: my daughters are at home, and I am not allowed to teach. We are deprived of our legal rights.

Read more Read more

Hakimi, a female teacher for 17 years in Kabul

One of the reasons why teachers are dissatisfied is the closure of schools for girls, because we know that half of the society is made up of women. I deplore that the Afghan society does not respect teachers

Read more Read more
All testimonies