Press Release
Tigray Disaster Relief Fund Voices Concern Over Restrictions on Female Muslim Students Wearing Hijabs in Axum, Emphasizing the Importance of Equal Access to Education
January 13, 2025 — Katy, Texas
The Tigray Disaster Relief Fund (TDRF) is deeply concerned by recent reports indicating that female students wearing hijab in Axum, Tigray, have been prohibited from attending school. This development is alarming, as it further exacerbates the hardships faced by young girls already grappling with the devastating aftermath of a genocidal war and siege, which have disrupted access to education since 2020.
Education is a fundamental human right and a critical pathway for recovery, empowerment, and long-term development. For these young Muslim girls—many of whom have endured unimaginable trauma—school offers not only an opportunity for learning but also a sense of stability and hope for the future.
The prohibition of female students in hijab from accessing education risks deepening inequality and perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement in a region already struggling to rebuild. TDRF calls on all relevant authorities, stakeholders, and the international community to ensure access to education for all students, regardless of gender, and to prioritize the removal of barriers that impede this right.
We implore corrective actions to address this issue immediately. Such measures must include:
Lifting restrictions preventing female students in hijab from attending school.
Ensure that female students are registered for the Ethiopian school leaving examination before the deadline.
Implementing programs to help affected students catch up on of education they have missed.
Providing support for schools, teachers, and students to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Education is not a privilege but a right that should be safeguarded, especially for communities recovering from conflict. TDRF stands in solidarity with the young Muslim girls of Axum and the broader Tigray region, and we remain committed to advocating for their rights and supporting their journey toward a brighter future.
Tigray Disaster Relief Fund, Board of Directors
Saving Lives. Inspiring Generations.
ህይወት ነድሕን! ወለዶ ንህነፅ!
Reference:
https://www.voanews.com/a/million-children-in-ethiopia-out-of-school-hijab-ban-in-tigray-adds-tension/7927557.html