On the 105th anniversary of Afghanistan's independence, former president Hamid Karzai urged the Taliban to reopen educational institutions for girls and women, emphasizing that their education is vital for a self-sufficient Afghanistan. Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, girls have been barred from secondary education, with Unesco reporting that 1.4 million girls have been denied access. Karzai highlighted the importance of education in achieving national harmony and reducing poverty, calling for unity among Afghans to foster progress. While some girls still attend midwifery and nursing schools, the regime's ban on broader education for females remains in place. The Taliban's interpretation of Sharia law continues to dictate their policies, showing no indication of lifting the ban on girls' schooling. As Afghanistan reflects on its independence, the need for change in educational access remains critical.