The Mysticals had heard tidings of the Bruha stirring up a mess in the human world. They were worried. On one hand, they would have to sneak out of MysticLand from under the MysticLord’s nose. It always required some tricks and planning,
Scorch said, “But Orak, we have to stand up for what we believe in! We can’t let the Bruha get away with this.”
Verum was loosely following the discussion. Her focus was on her crystal ball as she looked for clues. Right then, it began spinning faster and a milky mist covered its surface. Verum knew it was time for news. When her crystal ball slowed down, Verum said, “Mysticals, on that note, we have some news from Afghanistan. Many boy students have avoided attending school to show support for girl students who aren’t allowed into the classrooms yet.”
“Are women continuing to rally protest for their right to education and right to work?” said an interested Scorch.
News recall: The Taliban, an extremist group ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. But the United States (US) invaded Afghanistan and overthrew the Taliban from power. Now, nearly 20 years later, the US withdrew its troops. The Taliban took over Afghanistan once again. Under the Taliban, women faced many restrictions. They weren’t allowed to study or work.
“Yes, of course,” answered Verum, “Although the Taliban is giving mixed signals regarding women’s status, women employees from the private and public sectors were reportedly asked to stay at home.”
She added, “Meanwhile, the Taliban has reopened schools for boys and men teachers. But when asked about girl students, the Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban government was finalizing things and girl students would soon be able to return to the classrooms.”
“What do they need to finalize?” said Scorch.
“The Taliban’s Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani recently announced new rules for Afghan women students,” continued Verum, “They will be allowed to study in schools and universities but not with men students. They will be divided. But even under the previous government, secondary schools were segregated.”
“Ugh, I don’t like the situation,” said Scorch, “But it is nice that the boys are showing solidarity for the girls.”