Prohibition, unemployment and discrimination are the most important problems of Afghan youth
The youth of Afghanistan are currently facing three major challenges that have greatly affected their lives: bans, unemployment, and discrimination. These problems not only affect the current youth, but also threaten the future of the country. These issues are discussed in detail below:
1. Prohibitions
Education and training:
• Prohibition of education for girls: The Taliban’s policy of preventing girls from studying in secondary schools and universities has deprived millions of young girls of the basic right to education.
• Restrictions for boys: Although boys can continue to study, the change in educational content and focus on religious issues has reduced the quality of education.
Social and cultural activities:
• The ban on music, cinema, and cultural activities has reduced creativity and vitality among young people.
• Severe restrictions on gatherings, sports, and recreational activities have isolated young people.
Individual freedoms:
• The Taliban have imposed strict laws restricting individual freedoms, including how to dress, use technology, and be in public.
2. Widespread unemployment
Lack of job opportunities:
• With the economic collapse and withdrawal of international aid, many job opportunities have been lost.
• Stopping development projects and reducing commercial activities has increased the unemployment rate.
Lack of access to specialized jobs:
• With the ban on education and the reduction of technical and professional training, young people are unable to find specialized jobs.
• Women, once part of the labor force, are now systematically excluded from the labor market.
Increase in immigration:
• Due to the lack of jobs, many young people migrate to neighboring or distant countries to find better opportunities, which is often associated with life and economic risks.
3. Discrimination and inequality
Gender discrimination:
• Women and girls are systematically excluded from education, work, and participation in society.
• The Taliban’s restrictions on the presence of women in society have plunged young women into isolation and despair.
Ethnic and religious discrimination:
• Ethnic minorities, such as the Hazaras, and religious minorities, such as the Shiites, continue to face systematic discrimination, including in access to education and jobs.
Concentration of power in the hands of certain groups:
• Many opportunities have been provided only to people from groups and ethnicities trusted by the Taliban, which has caused further social division.
Consequences
• Social disillusionment: Young people are suffering from depression and anxiety due to the loss of hope for the future.
• Increase in violence and crime: Desperation and poverty have increased the tendency to crime and violence.
Brain drain: the departure of educated and specialized people from the country threatens the future of Afghanistan.
Solutions and suggestions
• Investing in education and entrepreneurship: If the Taliban or international institutions can provide support programs for creating jobs and technical training, part of the unemployment problems will be solved.
• Involvement of youth in decision-making: Creating opportunities for youth to be heard can help reduce frustration.
• International pressure to lift the restrictions: The international community can use diplomacy to force the Taliban to lift the restrictions.