Afghanistan to Erect First Women's University in Kabul

Jan 25, 2016 07:32 PM EST

Afghanistan's National Unity Government (NUG) managers are planning to build the country's first-ever women's university in Kabul, according to first lady Rula Ghani during a press briefing Wednesday.

President Ashraf Ghani included the university-related dream as a major promise during his election campaign before he came to power in 2014, his wife explained, according to Khaama Press. The press conference was attended by cabinet members, civil society activists and women students.

Mrs. Ghani told TOLO News female students who are not allowed to study at other universities could continue their higher education in this university. She said the higher education institution would be established in the near future, noting that preparations were already underway, but did not commit to an exact schedule. 

Turkey is anticipated to help build the university, which is expected to be named Mawlana Afghan-Turk University and to be built on 47 acres of land in Tap-e-Maranjan area in Kabul.

Nasrin Oryakhil from Afghanistan's Labor and Social Affairs Ministry vowed to provide employment for the future university graduates, reports Breitbart. "We are committed to providing jobs, training and entrepreneurship opportunities for graduates of the university," she said.

TOLO News reported that Mark English, the chancellor of the American University in Afghanistan, said they support "anything that is going to advance the education for women in Afghanistan." English pledged support in helping develop programs, and increasing resources so the initiative can be started.

International Business Times noted that "schools and colleges, especially places where girls are educated, are frequently targeted by Taliban Islamists in Afghanistan." Extremists consider education for women "haram" or "unIslamic."

In December 2014, the Taliban targeted a school attended by girls in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 145 people, including 132 children, 10 school staff members, and three soldiers, in addition to 100 injuries. Most of the of the fatalities were 12 to 16 years old, reported CNN.