BARRIERS TO EDUCATION FOR AFGHAN WOMEN: A STUDY OF MIGRATION, REPATRIATION, AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Abstract

Forced Migration has created numerous social, economic, healths, educational and legal challenges for Afghan women. However, the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover remains unfavorable for their return and a quality life^[1]. This study investigates the impact of migration on educational status of Afghan women residing in three Camps in Charsadda’ Utmanzai, Hajjizai, and Munda. Using a mix method research design, incorporating Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and semi-structured interviews the study explores how migration has affected Afghan women’s access to education.  The findings reveal that Afghan girls living in these camps are less motivated to pursue education due to their parents’ poor economic conditions, and the lack of nearby schools. As a result, uneducated parents are inclined to favor early marriages and confine their daughters to domestic roles. This raises a critical question: what will be the future of Afghan women’s education after their repatriation and reintegration into Afghanistan.

Keywords: Barriers, Education, Afghan Women, Migration, Repatriation

[1] Personal Interview with Malik Hameed Ul Rehman at Uthmanzai Camp, Charsadda, December 2024.