Internet Shutdown Shatters Afghan Women's Last Hope

Sat Oct 11 2025 05:58:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Following the Taliban's recent nationwide internet shutdown, Afghan women express despair as their last avenues for education and empowerment vanish.

In a severe blow to women's rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban's imposition of a nationwide internet blackout has left many female students and educators without access to online learning. The shutdown, seen as part of broader restrictions on women's freedoms, eliminates their last hope for education and independence. Interviews reveal the emotional and practical impacts, as women express feelings of helplessness and frustration amidst the growing oppression.

Fahima Noori had big dreams when she graduated from university in Afghanistan. She studied law, completed a midwifery program, and worked in a mental health clinic. However, everything changed when the Taliban seized power in 2021, imposing bans on girls' education and severely limiting women's job prospects. Recently, the Taliban's decision to shut down internet access across Afghanistan has left women like Fahima devastated.

“Our last hope was online learning. Now even that dream has been destroyed,” said Fahima, whose name has been altered to protect her identity. The nationwide internet shutdown, imposed to prevent perceived immorality, has halted essential services and cut off communication within the country. Internet watchdog Netblocks confirmed the total blackout, exacerbating the already dire situation for many Afghans.

Shakiba, another woman affected by the shutdown, expressed the emotional toll it has taken on her. Previously enrolled in an online midwifery program, Shakiba laments, “When I heard that the internet had been cut, the world felt dark to me.”

The Taliban government has continued its crackdown on women's rights, further restricting educational opportunities and banning women's literature from universities, showcasing a significant regression in freedoms since their return to power. The impact is not limited to students; educators like Zabi have also been deeply affected, with online teaching eliminated amid widespread connectivity issues.

Experts believe the situation represents a tragic systemic effort to enforce strict interpretations of Sharia law while depriving women of autonomy and a future. Many Afghans are now left in despair as their chances to pursue education and meaningful work continue to fade away.