By Allie Renar, Operations & Finance Manager, Sahar Education
Graduates from the 2nd round of the Underground TechSheroes program in July 2024. Photo: Sahar
August 15, 2024 – As we mark three years since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the situation for women and girls in the country remains dire. The Taliban’s oppressive policies have exacerbated gender apartheid, severely restricted educational opportunities, and driven many to find clandestine ways to pursue learning and empowerment. Yet, amid these challenges, organizations like Sahar Education are making significant strides, offering a glimmer of hope and a path forward for Afghan women and girls.
The Grim Reality: Gender Apartheid and Education Bans
Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has witnessed a harsh resurgence of gender apartheid. The restrictive policies have marginalized women, stripping them of their rights and freedoms. The situation has had a profound impact on education—one of the most crucial battlegrounds for gender equality.
In December 2022, the Taliban imposed a blanket ban on university education for women, affecting over 100,000 female students. This decision came after a period of remarkable progress: between 2001 and 2018, the number of women in higher education had increased nearly twentyfold. The abrupt halt to their educational journey represents a staggering regression for Afghan women.
As of early 2024, the situation is even more dire. The return to school for all Afghan girls over the age of 12 has been indefinitely postponed, resulting in approximately 80% of school-aged Afghan girls—about 2.5 million individuals—being out of school. These figures paint a grim picture of the current educational landscape.
Sahar Education: A Beacon of Hope
In the face of such adversity, Sahar Education has emerged as a vital lifeline for Afghan women and girls. Founded in 2009 by Julia Bolz, Sahar Education was initially known as Ayni Education International. The organization’s mission has always been to foster educational opportunities and advocate for the rights of Afghan women and girls. This mission has only grown more critical under the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
With the Taliban’s restrictions on formal education, Sahar has adapted its strategies to continue supporting Afghan students in innovative ways. Their work has been particularly impactful in creating underground schools and alternative educational programs, which serve as beacons of hope in a time of severe repression.
Students in the Women’s Empowerment workshop in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Photo: Sahar
Underground Schools: Preserving Hope in Adversity
Sahar Education has been at the forefront of establishing clandestine educational initiatives. These underground schools are crucial for providing education to girls who are otherwise barred from attending formal institutions. Programs like Secret Scholars Online, which began in August 2024, offer a lifeline for 95 girls, providing them with online learning resources and group discussions focused on empowerment and community building. This pilot program aims to expand and serve over 300 girls, culminating in TOEFL exams that can open doors to international opportunities.
Another notable initiative is Underground TechSheroes, which began in April 2023. This program teaches Afghan women and girls basic IT to advanced coding skills through secret home-based classes. By bridging the digital divide, Underground TechSheroes empowers participants to join the digital economy, fostering both personal and professional development.
Empowerment Through Skills and Advocacy
Sahar Education’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond educational programs. Threads of Hope launched in November 2023, provides literacy and sewing skills to economically disadvantaged women. Graduates receive sewing machines to start home-based businesses, promoting financial stability and resilience within their communities.
In addition, the Men as Partners in Change program reintroduced in October 2023, focuses on educating high school boys about fostering healthy, thriving communities. By addressing fatherhood, caregiving, and women’s rights, this program seeks to challenge gender perceptions and advocate for equality, recognizing the critical role men play in societal change.
Young men studying English and human rights in the Men as Partners in Change program. Photo: Sahar
The Path Forward: Resilience and Hope
Despite the Taliban’s oppressive policies and the severe restrictions on education, Sahar Education’s work offers a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of Afghan women and girls. Their innovative approaches to education and empowerment are not just a response to adversity but a profound assertion of their right to learn, grow, and contribute to society.
Sahar’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The organization’s recognition as the Best Women & Girls Education NPO 2024 – Afghanistan and its recent nomination under the Quality Education for All category of the .ORG Impact Awards underscore the critical importance of their work.
The UN reports a dramatic decrease in women’s influence on community decision-making and a heightened sense of insecurity among Afghan women. In this bleak environment, Sahar Education stands as a beacon of hope, championing the rights of Afghan women and girls and laying the groundwork for a more equitable future.
As we reflect on these three challenging years, it is clear that while the road ahead remains fraught with obstacles, the courage and resilience of those fighting for education and equality in Afghanistan inspire us all. Sahar Education’s efforts illuminate a path toward a brighter future, proving that even in the darkest times, hope and progress are possible.
Take Action and Make a Difference
The plight of Afghan women and girls is urgent, and your support can make a real impact. Here’s how you can help:
- Explore Sahar Education’s Work: Visit Sahar Education’s website to learn about their groundbreaking programs and see how you can contribute.
- Attend the Annual Gala: Join us in Seattle on October 10th for the A Night in Afghanistan Gala. It’s a chance to support their mission, connect with others who care, and make a difference. Get your tickets here.
- Spread the Word: Share Sahar’s story with friends and family. Raising awareness helps build a global network of support.
- Donate: Your contributions directly support educational programs and empower Afghan women and girls.
Stand with Sahar Education to transform lives and build a brighter future for Afghanistan. Your involvement can be a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Thank you for your support!