Under Taliban, barring Afghan girls from school takes an emotional toll — and a community one, too

The Taliban's ban on Afghan girls' education beyond sixth grade has led to severe emotional distress, exemplified by 16-year-old Fariba's suicide, while also causing broader economic and health crises. Restrictions on women's education and medical training, coupled with rising child marriages and maternal mortality, have drawn international concern despite the Taliban's pledges to uphold women's rights.