Taliban ban books by women, key subjects from Afghan universities

The Taliban government has banned books authored by women from Afghanistan’s university curriculum, as part of a sweeping crackdown on academic freedom that also includes the removal of subjects such as human rights and sexual harassment.

680 books were flagged as being of “concern,” including 140 written by women. Titles such as Safety in the Chemical Laboratory were among those deemed incompatible with “anti-Sharia and Taliban policies.” Eighteen subjects were also barred from being taught, with Taliban officials stating they are “in conflict with the principles of Sharia and the system's policy,” BBC reports.

The move adds to the Taliban’s ongoing restrictions since reclaiming power four years ago. This week, fibre-optic internet was also banned in at least 10 provinces under orders from the Taliban’s supreme leader, reportedly to prevent immorality.

Women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the Taliban's policies. Education for girls beyond sixth grade remains banned, and in late 2024, midwifery courses—one of the last remaining avenues for female training—were quietly shut down.

Of the 18 newly banned university subjects, six specifically relate to women, including Gender and Development, The Role of Women in Communication, and Women’s Sociology.

A member of the Taliban’s textbook review committee confirmed that “all books authored by women are not allowed to be taught.”

Zakia Adeli, a former deputy minister of justice and one of the authors affected, said, “Considering what the Taliban have done over the past four years, it was not far-fetched to expect them to impose changes on the curriculum... Given the Taliban's misogynistic mindset and policies, it is only natural that when women themselves are not allowed to study, their views, ideas and writings are also suppressed.”

The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education justified the decision, stating it had been made by a panel of “religious scholars and experts.” Books by Iranian authors or publishers were also disproportionately affected, with 310 titles banned to “prevent the infiltration of Iranian content.”

By Vafa Guliyeva