ABET’s Statement of Support for Afghan Women and GirlsJan 10, 2023

ABET is an advocate for inclusive and equitable education for all, and we are deeply troubled by the Taliban’s recent actions in Afghanistan to ban women from attending universities and girls from attending secondary school. This action violates a basic premise of Article 26 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to education.

STEM professionals play a critical role in developing solutions to make the world a better place — one that is safer, more efficient and more sustainable. Our workforce must be comprised of people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and personal experiences. The education of women and girls is essential to ensuring their own futures and the prosperity of their families, as well as the future of our communities and, ultimately, our planet.

ABET supports gender equity in education and in the STEM fields unequivocally, and we fully support the fundamental rights of Afghan women and girls to receive access to quality education.