Two weeks ago (April 10), the Afghanistan Medical Council, in coordination with the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Health, held exit exams for medical students—but only for men.
According to published reports, around 7,000 students took part in the exam.
« Afghan Women’s Voice» spoke over the past week with a number of women who had previously graduated from medical training institutes—interviews that shed light on the ruling regime’s systematic discrimination.
Fereshteh is one of these students who, despite numerous challenges, completed a two-year institute program in Kabul. But before the time for the exit exam arrived, the Taliban authorities, in what she describes as an inhumane move, barred her and her classmates from taking the exam.
According to Fereshteh, she spent part of her time as a student weaving carpets to cover her daily and educational expenses. But everything changed suddenly, and she was left out of the competition.
She also accuses the Taliban authorities of overt and systematic discrimination against women and girls, stressing that these policies have destroyed the hopes, dreams, and futures of millions.
Maryam is also among the students who graduated from a two-year institute program in Kabul. In an interview with Afghan Women’s Voice, she says that after universities were closed to girls, she struggled to convince her family to allow her to enroll in an institute program.
She adds that at first her family didn’t agree to her continuing her education, but through her efforts and the support of her elder brother, her parents eventually agreed.
Maryam adds:« Well, that period was difficult and full of challenges, but it was still good to have studies and hope. The dream of becoming a doctor kept us awake at night.»
But now, Maryam has been barred from sitting the exit exam for two years by the ruling group. She says the Taliban authorities have taken the educational and professional futures of thousands of girls hostage.
At the same time, Sosan Zuhair, a social media user, wrote on her Facebook page that the absence of girls from Afghanistan’s nationwide exit exam has deeply saddened her.
She wrote on her page:« This time we were really heartbroken. I thought maybe we would be included. We lost all hope. I feel like I’m going crazy from thinking too much; I’m worried about the future and what I will do.»
Meanwhile, thousands of female medical graduates from previous years have been waiting for four years to take the exit exam, remaining in a state of frustration and uncertainty.
The exit exam is held annually across the country as a requirement for obtaining a medical license and beginning practice as a certified doctor.
The ban on women and girls from this nationwide exam effectively means their complete exclusion from the country’s health institutions and medical facilities. Previously, some international organizations had warned that the country’s healthcare system would face a shortage of female nurses.
Photo credited: Internet
