Afghan girls graduate from religious madrasa amid restrictions on formal education

Afghan girls who have completed the memorization of the holy Koran wear a ceremonial crown and shawl as they attend a graduation ceremony at a religious madrasa in Kabul, Afghanistan, 12 November 2026. A total of 40 students, including 20 girls and 20 boys, graduated after completing their studies in Quran memorization and recitation. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, girls have been barred from attending formal schools beyond the sixth grade, prompting some families to turn to religious madrasas as an alternative form of education.