Digital Divide and its Impact on Women and Girls in Afghanistan

• In Event: Digital Divides: Envisioning Higher Education in Crisis and Conflict Context, A Case Study of Afghanistan

Proposal

digital divide continues to be a significant barrier to education for Afghan girls, who face profound limitations in internet and digital device access due to both gender and geographical disparities. Currently, only 6% of Afghan women have access to the internet, compared to 25% of men, highlighting a severe gender gap in digital connectivity (Nusratty & Crabtree, 2023). The situation is even more challenging for girls living in rural areas, where infrastructure is less developed; only 2% of women in these areas report having internet access, compared to 9% in urban or suburban settings (Nusratty & Crabtree, 2023).
Urban areas like Herat province show relatively higher rates of internet access among women (15%), whereas in the capital, Kabul, only 3% of women have online access. These figures reflect not just the limitations of infrastructure, such as unreliable electricity and inadequate IT networks, but also broader socioeconomic inequalities. The high cost of devices and internet services further restricts access, especially given that over 90% of the Afghan population lives in poverty (Nusratty & Crabtree, 2023).
The Role of the Taliban in Internet Access and Digital Restrictions for Afghan Girls
Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, they have exerted significant control over internet access and the use of digital devices, particularly impacting Afghan girls and women. Although the Taliban have not imposed a complete ban on the internet, they have strategically restricted connectivity to suppress dissent and maintain control over the flow of information. This has created a complex and challenging environment for girls and women seeking to access digital education.
Restrictions on Internet Access: The Taliban’s control of internet access has resulted in frequent suspensions of connectivity in various regions, especially in cities like Kabul, to curb opposition and prevent the spread of dissenting views (Nusratty & Crabtree, 2023). Additionally, the Taliban have blocked millions of websites that they deem to contain “immoral” content, limiting the range of accessible online resources and learning materials (Ruddock, 2023). This restriction significantly affects Afghan girls, who already face limited internet access due to broader gender and geographical disparities.
Monitoring and Surveillance Concerns: Another barrier is the Taliban's ability to monitor internet usage, which has instilled a climate of fear among many users, particularly women and girls. Many are reluctant to access educational websites or use digital platforms due to concerns about surveillance and potential repercussions for accessing content that might be viewed as subversive or inappropriate (Nusratty & Crabtree, 2023). This fear of being watched further restricts girls' digital freedom, discouraging them from engaging in online learning even if technical access is available.
Restrictions on Digital Devices: The Taliban have also placed restrictions on the use of cell phones and other digital devices for girls and women. In many areas, girls have reported that they are discouraged or outright forbidden from using smartphones, tablets, or computers.

Author

• Farzanah Darwish, Sahar Education