On August 18, 2024, coinciding with Afghanistan's 105th Independence Day, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai called on the Taliban to allow girls and women to attend school and university. He emphasized the critical importance of women's education for societal progress, highlighting that approximately 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary and higher education since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Despite the Taliban's ban on girls studying beyond primary school, some women and girls continue to attend religious and nursing schools, although these opportunities are limited and not widely available. The Taliban government remains unrecognized internationally, further complicating the situation for education and human rights in Afghanistan. Karzai's remarks come amid ongoing international calls for the Taliban to reverse their restrictions on women's rights, particularly in education, as the global community continues to express concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Human Rights in Afghanistan, has previously emphasized the need for human rights considerations in discussions about Afghanistan's future, echoing the sentiments of many advocates for Afghan women's rights. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have also condemned the Taliban's policies, urging immediate action to restore educational opportunities for Afghan girls and women. As the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan deepens, the need for a concerted effort to address these issues has never been more urgent. The international community is called upon to support Afghan women in their fight for education and equality, recognizing that their empowerment is essential for the country's future stability and development. Karzai's call for educational access aligns with broader efforts to ensure that Afghan women can participate fully in society and contribute to rebuilding their nation. The situation remains precarious, but the voices of leaders like Karzai and advocates for women's rights continue to push for change in Afghanistan's educational landscape.