Afghani Prime Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani unveiled the policy change at a news conference Sunday, several days after the country's new government was formed.
Female university students will wear a hijab, according to Haqqani, but he did not elaborate on whether this refers to only a headscarf or also face covers (AFP).
Higher education in Afghanistan remains open to women, even at postgraduate levels, but the new Taliban government has stipulated that classes will be gender-segregated and that women must wear Islamic attire.
At a news conference, several days after the new government of Afghanistan was established, Abdul Baqi Haqqani outlined the new policies.
In the late 1990s, the world was watching closely to see how the Taliban acted differently than they did when they first came to power. A woman was not allowed an education and was not allowed to participate in public life during that time.
According to the Taliban, they have changed their attitude toward women as well. However, there have been incidents of violence against women calling for equal rights in recent days.
In an interview with Haqqani, he stated the Taliban didn't want to turn back the clock. He said, "We'll start by building upon what's already there."
Under the Taliban, however, female university students will be restricted, including having to follow a dress code. He did not specify if that meant mandatory headscarves or also mandatory face coverings.
He said that gender segregation would also be enforced. “We can not allow boys and girls to study together,” he said. "Co-education is not permitted."
According to Haqqani, university courses will be reviewed as well, but he did not provide details. During their previous reign, the Taliban, who subscribe to a harsh interpretation of Islam, forbade music and art.
Source: Hindustan Times