Taliban announces new rules for female students: segregated classrooms, Islamic dress code

On Sunday, the Taliban's Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani announced new rules for female students in Afghanistan's schools and universities.

According to the BBC, among these new rules are the instituting of a dress code, as well as classroom segregation by gender.

Under the previous Taliban rule, women were not allowed to attend schools and universities.

In regards to instituting gender-based class rosters, Haqqani showed no remorse, stating "We have no problems in ending the mixed-education system. The people are Muslims and they will accept it."

While some have expressed concerns on universities not having enough female teachers for female students, Haqqani noted that if there are not enough, there would be work arounds.

"It all depends on the university's capacity," he said. "We can also use male teachers to teach from behind a curtain, or use technology."

Women would also be required to wear hijabs, though Haqqani did not specify whether face coverings would need to be worn as well.

Haqqani also announced that subjects taught in universities would be reviewed.

He told reporters that the Taliban wanted to "create a reasonable and Islamic curriculum that is in line with our Islamic, national and historical values and, on the other hand, be able to compete with other countries".

The Taliban has previously stated that they would not block women from education or from their jobs, but have asked those not working in the public health sector to stay away from work until the ongoing security situation improves, according to the BBC.