Afghan Women Find Revolutionary Ways to Continue Education Despite Taliban Ban

Kokcha News Agency – Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, women’s lives have become increasingly restricted. The Taliban has barred women from public spaces like parks, gyms, and restaurants, and has prohibited them from working in many professions. One of the most devastating decisions, however, has been the ban on girls’ education beyond primary school.

Despite these harsh restrictions, some Afghan women are finding ways to continue their education through the internet.

Dreams Rebuilt Through the Internet:
Sodaba, a 24-year-old pharmacology student, refused to let the Taliban’s ban crush her dreams. She turned to the internet and found free online software courses taught in Dari, her native language. Through these courses, she has begun learning computer programming and web design.

“Circumstances should not bend a person; instead, one should try every way to achieve their dreams,” Sodaba said, adding that her newfound skills have helped her regain her confidence.

From Refugee to Education Entrepreneur:
The online courses Sodaba is taking are part of an initiative launched by 25-year-old Murtaza Jafari, an Afghan refugee living in Greece. Jafari, who arrived in Greece as a young refugee, began learning software development with the help of a teacher while staying in a shelter. Despite not knowing English or even how to turn on a computer, Jafari persevered and eventually earned a certification.

Inspired by his own journey, Jafari founded Afghan Geeks in December, offering free online courses for Afghan women. His goal is to give back to the women in his home country the same kind of support he once received.

“Sharing knowledge truly changes something. The more you share, the more it spreads, and the more people learn,” Jafari said. Currently, he is teaching 28 female students across three levels.

No Cameras Allowed:
Under the Taliban regime, women are not allowed to show their faces in public. As a result, the students attend Jafari’s classes with their cameras turned off. Jafari does not require his students to show their faces, ensuring their safety while they learn.

A Growing Movement:
Despite the challenges, similar initiatives are spreading across Afghanistan. One such initiative is Vision Online University, founded by 20-year-old Zuhal, whose university dreams were cut short by the Taliban.

Zuhal, who uses a pseudonym for safety, collaborated with an academic to create an online academy for women. Starting with just five people, the initiative has now grown to include over 150 volunteer teachers and administrators, reaching more than 4,000 students.

The academy offers a wide range of courses, from psychology and foreign languages to nursing and public speaking. Zuhal and her team work entirely on a voluntary basis, receiving no financial support.

Despite struggling to pay for internet access, Zuhal remains determined. “If I stop, thousands of girls will lose hope again. My goal is to support them,” she said.