Hopes fade for Afghan women as universities reopen with only male students

Afghan universities have reopened after their winter break without female students, despite strong condemnation by the international community of the Taliban's ban on secondary and tertiary education for girls.

A few women were seen protesting outside the UN building in Kabul, but were quickly dispersed by Taliban officials.

The Taliban abruptly banned women from secondary schools and universities last year, leaving many existing female students stranded on the verge of graduation.

The Taliban earlier said the ban was temporary. But there has been no indication that it will be eased.