The Missing Voice: A Reflection on Afghan Women’s Education in Light of IIUM’s MoU with Kabul University

By, Waresa

GOMBAK, 6 May 2025: the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) hosted the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kabul University (KU), marking a promising step forward in strengthening academic collaboration between two esteemed institutions. The MoU covers key areas such as curriculum development, student and staff mobility, and joint research initiatives that align with IIUM’s commitment to excellence and internationalisation.

As a postgraduate student at IIUM and someone deeply engaged with Islamic scholarship and education, I found this collaboration inspiring. Yet, as I reflected on the event, one aspect remained quietly absent from the discourse: the status of Afghan women’s access to education, particularly in the context of current global and Islamic educational ideals.

IIUM’s Ethos: A Foundation for Inclusive Knowledge

IIUM stands uniquely as a university that champions the integration of revealed knowledge and rational sciences, with its core values rooted in Rahmatan lil-‘Alamin (mercy to all the worlds), justice, and inclusivity. The university’s vision of becoming a leading Islamic university that is globally recognised for its contributions to human civilisation places it in a position of moral and intellectual influence. In this light, any strategic partnership—especially with institutions from regions facing educational challenges—presents an opportunity not only for academic exchange but also for promoting inclusive and ethical educational development. Afghanistan is home to a rich intellectual heritage, yet it is also currently facing complex educational restrictions, particularly for women and girls. These circumstances invite deeper engagement from international academic partners.

Honouring the Legacy of Female Scholarship in Islam

Islamic tradition is replete with examples of female scholarship. From Aisha bint Abi Bakr to Fatima al-Fihri, women have historically played integral roles in preserving and transmitting knowledge. IIUM, with its emphasis on Tawhidi epistemology and Ummatic excellence, is well-positioned to continue advocating for educational inclusion based on these precedents. The MoU between IIUM and Kabul University is a commendable initiative. Moving forward, we hope such partnerships might include provisions or reflections on supporting Afghan women’s academic access, whether through online learning, scholarships, or academic outreach initiatives in line with IIUM’s values.

A Way Forward with Wisdom and Compassion

This reflection is not a criticism, but a gentle call to consider how IIUM’s international engagements might further reflect its mission. By supporting initiatives advocating universal access to knowledge, including Afghan women and girls, IIUM can reaffirm its global role as a beacon of ethical, inclusive, and value-driven higher education. In an increasingly unifiedworld, academic collaborations offer not just platforms for exchange but also encouragement, compassion, and hope. It is in these values that IIUM’s strength lies—and it is through them that we can ensure no voice is left behind. In conclusion, it encourages all academic stakeholders to reflect on how education, in its truest Islamic spirit, remains both a right and a shared responsibility for all, regardless of gender or geography.***