RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to CBC News (established source, credibility tier: 95/100), the Taliban's four-year-long ban on higher education for women and girls in Afghanistan has led to secret networks being established to teach them anyway. These organizations are working hard to circumvent the ban, with one advocate stating that women and girls have been "unbelievably resourceful in finding workarounds." The causal chain begins with the Taliban's ban on higher education (direct cause), which leads to a shortage of educational opportunities for Afghan women and girls (immediate effect). This shortage is then met by secret networks, often operating underground, that provide alternative pathways to education (short-term effect). These networks may rely on expatriate teachers, online resources, or other creative solutions. The long-term effects are uncertain but could include a more resilient and resourceful Afghan youth population. The domains affected by this news event include Education and Youth Integration, particularly in the context of Pathways to Higher Education for immigrant and refugee groups. Evidence type: Event report Uncertainty: Depending on the effectiveness and scalability of these secret networks, they may provide a sustainable solution or merely a temporary fix. Additionally, if the Taliban's ban is not lifted, the long-term viability of these networks remains uncertain. ** --- Source: [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/daricha-schools-afghan-girls-education-9.7042214?cmp=rss) (established source, credibility: 95/100)