Universities in the cold areas of the country started classes on Monday with the absence of female students.

In December of last year, the Ministry of Higher Education announced that the female students are suspended from going to universities until further notice.

“Based on the leadership of the Ministry of Higher Education of the Islamic Emirate on Hout 15 (1402 solar yar/ March 6), the lessons began in all universities. All students and instructors were present in a secure environment for their lessons,” said Ziaullah Hashimi, a spokesman for the MoHE.

The female students meanwhile expressed criticism over the closure of their universities.

“15 of Hout (March 6) has been one of the hopeless days, I as an Afghan girl witnessed it as a very bad historic day,” said Sofia, a student.

“It even caused us to get depressed and get concerned that we should remain at home,” said Shabana, a student.

The university lecturers called on the Islamic Emirate to rescind their decree banning females from universities.

“If we want to be a civilized country, (the gates of universities) should be reopened to all of our citizens without gender, religious and geographic difference,” said Murtaza Hossieni, university instructor.

“The caretaker government has allowed the Afghan boys to return to their education and universities. But the Afghan girls who are half of the society have not been allowed. I think the only solution is that the Afghan boys should also boycott universities and classes,” said Mustafa Mudasir, university instructor.

The boys are happy with the reopening of their universities but called on the caretaker government to allow female students to attend.

“Today, all of the boys can continue their education but unfortunately our sisters have been deprived of this fortune,” said Abid, a student.

“We are happy that the universities have been reopened but we are disappointed that our sisters have not been able to participate,” said Nasir, a student.

The Islamic Emirate’s decision to close universities for girls faced strong reactions at a national and international level.