“From today, I don’t need these diplomas anymore because this country is no place for an education. If my sister and my mother can’t study, then I don’t accept this education,” were the exact words with which Ismail Mashal, publicly tore his certificate to protest the exclusion of women from university education in Afghanistan.
A viral video, captured Mashal, a Kabul professor, destroying his diplomas certificate on a live television interview in Afghanistan in protest over the Taliban’s barring of women from higher education.
Said to be the founder of the private Mashal University in Kabul and also a lecturer at Kabul University, Mashal, with tears in his eyes and his voice quivering, while ripping up the diplomas during an on-set appearance for the country’s Tolo News on Monday, adding that the diplomas were for his multiple Masters and Doctorate degrees and that they were the originals.
“Astonishing scenes as a Kabul university professor destroys his diplomas on live TV in Afghanistan,” tweeted Nasimi, alongside the clip.
The Taliban announced on December 20 that university education for all female students had been suspended. This follows the government barring girls from attending secondary school in March of this year.
It also comes on the heels of many other limitations placed on women’s freedoms, including their access to public spaces.
Women are also required to wear the hijab and dress modestly in public under the Taliban rules.
