Davlatmoh Ismoilova is suing the Ministry of Education over the ban on hijabs for students (Courtesy Photo)
August 3, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Officials in Tajikistan's State Teacher Training Institute have told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that female applicants are no longer allowed to take university entrance exams there wearing Islamic head scarves.
Today's remarks come after three applicants wearing hijabs, or head scarves, were prevented from taking entrance exams at the National University on July 31.
The Ministry of Education has banned the hijab for school and university students.
A 20-year-old female student, Davlatmoh Ismoilova, is suing the ministry over the ban. The challenge was thrown out last month, but Ismoilova has vowed to appeal.
Education And Islam
Education And Islam
KEEPING KIDS IN SCHOOL. Education raises many vexing social issues in impoverished and predominantly Muslim countries like Afghanistan and the countries of Central Asia. In these countries, many students fail to complete their education for reasons ranging from poverty to discrimination.
“One of the main problems is the distance between the child’s home and the nearest school building. This is particularly a problem for adolescent girls because families quite understandably don’t feel comfortable allowing the girls to walk long distances unaccompanied to the classrooms,” says a UN aid worker in Afghanistan...(more).
See also:
The Role Of Religion In Classrooms
Madrasahs Reject Government Crackdown Efforts
Madrasahs Lead Religious Teaching Revival
UN Report Finds World's Children 'Excluded And Invisible'