Date: 02/12/1401 The Afghan Medical Council's "Exit Exam" for medical graduates was held today (Tuesday, 2nd of Hoot) in Kandahar, but without the participation of female candidates.

Female graduates from health institutes in Kandahar have reported that the Taliban have revoked their right to take part in the examination. They stated that, although they had received registration forms, they were informed just one day before the exam that they could no longer participate, as the participation of women had been suspended.

Nazo, a graduate from a private health institute in Kandahar, expressed her dismay over the decision, stating, "When the Exit Exam is taken from us, we are only issued government academic credentials, which allow us to work... the Exit Exam should be administered to us, as it is our right." She further added that she is responsible for supporting her family and that the Taliban’s restrictions have caused her significant emotional distress. Similarly, Fatima, a nursing graduate, has urged the Taliban to allow women to participate in the Afghan Medical Council’s exam. She explained, "We had prepared extensively, and although we had received the form for the Exit Exam, I was informed just one day before the exam that I could not take part. Is this our fault?"

Officials from semi-higher health science institutes in Kandahar stated that they had made efforts to include female candidates in the examination, but these efforts were obstructed by a delegation sent from Kabul. Initially, 200 midwives and nurses were scheduled to participate in this year’s "Exit Exam" in Kandahar.

The Taliban's last-minute exclusion of women from Kandahar's medical "Exit Exam" constitutes a targeted denial of women's right to education, employment, and equal treatment. Blocking licensure for 200 female healthcare graduates not only dismantles their professional futures but also exacerbates the public health crisis by removing qualified personnel from the workforce. The decision reflects a broader pattern of systemic gender discrimination under Taliban rule