Teachers despair because the Taliban suspend salaries

A school teacher in Kandahar province. File photo

The Taliban’s suspension of female teachers’ salaries has caused great concern and frustration among educators.

Several teachers reported that the Taliban had initiated a process of “salary segregation,” which would reduce their monthly salary to 5,000 Afghanis. The teachers said that this drastic cut would put them in a difficult economic situation and might lead them to quit their jobs.

Nearly a month ago, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a decree ordering Taliban-run institutions to cut the salaries of female government employees to 5,000 Afghanis ($70). Meanwhile, a pay slip for an employee said salaries for this month had been suspended without further explanation.

In interviews with Amu, several female teachers who wished to remain anonymous confirmed the matter but declined to disclose further details of their salary slips. It remains unclear whether female teachers’ salaries this month will be paid at the current rate or reduced to 5,000 Afghanis. In contrast, male teachers’ salary slips showed no suspension and their salaries were paid as usual.

The teachers stressed that 5,000 Afghanis cannot even cover their travel expenses, which puts them in a difficult financial situation. “I am the breadwinner of my family. How can I meet any expenses with just 5,000 Afghanis? Family expenses, children’s education and other necessary expenses – what should be our priority? We perform the same duties as male teachers, so why are we paid less?” asked Neelab, a teacher.

“Our salaries have been cut to 5,000 Afghanis. What should we do with this amount? Pay the rent? Support our family? I have a family of seven. What should I do with 5,000 Afghanis?” asks Zarghoona, a teacher from Kandahar.

Mahbooba, who has been working as a teacher for around 18 years, called the Taliban leader’s decision “cruel and blatant gender discrimination.” She argued that the decision would hit teachers hard, who are the main breadwinners of their families. “The 5,000 Afghanis that the Taliban leader has allocated for women is not enough. Everyone knows that the prices of all food items are very high,” she said. “Many do not own homes and live in rented accommodation. With 5,000 Afghanis, will they pay rent, meet their expenses or pay their children’s school fees? We are facing very serious problems.”

In response to the Taliban’s massive restrictions on women’s rights, this latest decree to cut the salaries of female employees has sparked widespread reactions across the country. Almost a week ago, many female doctors protested the decision with a one-day strike.

Since the Taliban came to power, many female employees in government departments have been forced to stay at home. However, women continue to work in education, health and public services. According to the Taliban, 352,000 women are currently employed in these sectors, 200,000 of them in education alone.