In an online poll by TOLOnews on the reopening of girls' schools across Afghanistan, about ninety percent of voters supported the reopening of schools for girls beyond grade six, and 10 percent opposed the decision.
This 24-hour poll was launched on TOLOnews’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
More than 34,100 people voted on Facebook and 89.7 percent supported the opening of girls' schools, and 10.3 percent were against it.
On Instagram, 9,820 (92%) users participated with 8,998 (92%) voting for girls' schooling, 452 (5%) not supporting, and 371 (3%) saying they had no opinion.
Earlier, the minister of education said that girls’ schools have remained closed due to cultural reasons and that families themselves do not agree to send their daughters to schools. His comments sparked strong reactions.
“None of the Afghan citizens are against the rights of education and girls’ taking part in schools, the small number of votes negatively in the poll have some considerations and concerns which can be solved," said Maryam Maarof Arwin, a women’s rights activist.
Meanwhile, a number of students said that the closure of schools is no longer tolerable and called for clarification regarding the schools.
“We need our schools to be opened. Afghan society needs to have an education,” said Abeda, a student.
The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly stated that it is not in opposition to the education of girls. but despite these claims it is still unclear that when the schools are going to be opened.
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