Afghanistan’s first lady Rula Ghani officially inaugurated Moraa, the first-ever all women’s university in Afghanistan, last month.
“The establishment of the [Moraa Educational] complex, which includes a college and university, in Kabul will help boost women’s educational capabilities and help female students who are not able go to co-educational institutions,” said Ghani.
Ghani and some Afghan women activists believe that having an all-women university will provide access to college to some female students of families who still will not allow their daughters to go to a co-ed college. According to Tolo News, “currently there are about 36 state-run universities along with 126 private educational institutions in the country – all of which are co-educational.”
Moraa will include education in many diverse fields, including medical science, computer technology, and management. The institution also has a large dormitory housing 960 students. The Minister of Higher Education, Farida Momand also said the complex will house a training center for the treatment of cancer.
The percentage of women attending institutions of higher education is believed to have increased recently significantly from about 20% to 35% of the students.
Last fall, a women and gender studies department was launched with both female and male students participating at Kabul University.
