Reports have shared that multiple centers were blockaded, stopping students from attending on April 1st.
Officials of Kabul’s educational institutions have been warned by the Taliban of severe consequences should they persist in their educational endeavors.
In a recent development, the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice issued directives to educational center administrators, instructing them to prohibit entry for girls wearing veils deemed to have “non-dark colors.”
These actions unfold against the backdrop of the Taliban’s recent consolidation of power in Afghanistan, marked by their decree prohibiting female students beyond the sixth grade from accessing schools and pursuing higher education at universities.
Observers interpret these moves as part of the Taliban’s broader agenda to systematically marginalize women and girls within Afghan society, through sustained coercion and restriction of their participation in public life.
This comes as another blow to the hopes of Afghan children who only want to learn. The freedom to education is a basic human right being denied to millions across Afghanistan. This number is expected to grow as the Taliban carries out plans to close more Kabul learning centers.
“This clearly shows the Taliban aren’t planning to lift bans on girls’ education and public spaces, which pushes women out of society. This systematic elimination of women is a form of gender apartheid and should be acknowledged as such.”
Meetra Alokozay, Executive Director of Sahar Education
Underground classes continue to be the best option for girls and women inside the country who hunger to learn. You can support the efforts of brave young women by donating today!
In the heart of Kabul, a transformative program called Threads of Hope has been weaving a tapestry of empowerment and education for women who, until now, have been left in the shadows of society. These women, all over the age of 25 and coming from impoverished communities, embarked on a journey 15 weeks ago that promised to not only teach them valuable skills but also to illuminate the path to self-reliance and awareness.
Health and Empowerment: A Foundation for Growth
The Threads of Hope program is not merely about learning to sew; it’s a holistic approach to education. Over the last 15 weeks, participants have delved into crucial health workshops covering a broad spectrum of topics from reproductive health and menstruation hygiene to mental health and anger management. These sessions offer more than just information; they provide life-changing insights and tools for managing one’s health and well-being.
The program has placed a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, tackling issues like early marriage and domestic violence through open discussions and shared experiences. It’s a space where stories of early marriage, often a silent burden carried by many of the participants, are brought to light. One student’s revelation about leadership within the household sparked conversations about women’s roles beyond traditional expectations, challenging norms and encouraging new perspectives on what it means to be a leader.
Tailoring Success: More Than Just Stitches
The tailoring classes offered by Threads of Hope have been a cornerstone of practical achievement. Participants have mastered the art of cutting fabric, sewing without errors, and even using a sewing machine with proficiency. This skill set has already enabled some to start their own small businesses, sewing dresses for others, and thus contributing to their families’ incomes. The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from creating something with one’s own hands cannot be understated; it’s a powerful testament to their growth and independence.
The Power of Literacy
Beyond the threads and needles, the program has opened the doors to literacy for these women. Starting from the basics of the Faris alphabet to simple mathematics, they have embarked on a journey of discovery. Being able to read signs, write their names, and engage with the world through written words is a newfound freedom. It’s a tool that not only empowers them in their daily lives but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity.
A New Horizon
The transformation witnessed over the first 15 weeks of the Threads of Hope program is profound. Women, who once saw themselves as confined to the roles of housewives, now stand as beacons of change and empowerment within their communities. Their journeys from uncertainty to confidence, from ignorance to awareness, and from dependency to self-reliance are inspiring.
At the completion of this program, each woman will be gifted a sewing machine, a symbol of their journey, and a tool for their future. Yet, the true gift they receive is immeasurable: education, empowerment, and a sense of purpose. These are the threads that will continue to weave through their lives, their families, and their communities, bringing hope and change to the fabric of society.
Threads of Hope is more than a program; it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the power of education and empowerment, proving that with the right support, women can overcome barriers and redefine their destinies. The journey of these women in Kabul is just the beginning. The hope, skills, and confidence they’ve gained will ripple through generations, weaving a brighter future for all.
In honor of International Women’s Day, join Sahar Education on March 7th at 6 pm PST to learn how you can make a difference to Afghan women who are resisting the gender apartheid in their country.
No woman is truly free until we are all free. The women of Afghanistan are suffering under the oppressive rule of the Taliban but it is within our ability to empower and support them in their fight for equality!
Hear from a past student on the effectiveness of underground schools, learn about Sahar’s programs from Shogofa Amini, Program Manager, and understand how our efforts are making a difference for Afghan women.
Register free today and enter to win 4 Main Level or Club Terrace tickets to 2024 Mariner’s home games.
This week, as we observe Children’s Mental Health Week, it’s crucial to shed light on an ongoing crisis that continues to undermine the mental well-being of Afghan children, particularly girls. The Taliban’s stringent policies, including the prohibition of education for girls beyond the sixth grade, are not just a denial of fundamental rights but also a significant source of psychological distress and mental health issues among Afghan children.
In light of the current educational and societal climate in Afghanistan, the statistics offer a stark insight into the challenges faced by Afghan girls and women following the Taliban’s educational restrictions. Since the Taliban’s edict in September 2021, the education of girls over the age of 12 has been indefinitely halted, resulting in 1.1 million girls and young women being deprived of access to formal education. This ban has escalated to the point where currently, an estimated 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women, amounting to 2.5 million individuals, are out of school. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of Afghan girls have never had the opportunity to enter primary education. The situation worsened with the suspension of university education for women in December 2022, affecting over 100,000 female students across both government and private higher education institutions. Source: Unesco
The repercussions of these bans are not confined to education alone but extend into the broader societal and economic realms. The prohibition on women’s education is exacerbating a crisis for all Afghans, leading to job losses among tens of thousands of teachers and support staff, and impacting private institutions and businesses financially dependent on girls’ education. Afghanistan’s economy, already in a fragile state, is further strained as women are excluded from the job market, potentially costing the country billions of dollars in GDP. Moreover, the prioritization of Islamic knowledge over basic literacy and numeracy is paving the way for a generation devoid of contemporary or secular education, which is crucial for economic advancement. Source: CTV News
Before these suspensions, Afghanistan had seen a significant increase in the enrolment of girls and women in education. Between 2001 and 2018, the number of girls in primary school surged from almost zero to 2.5 million, and by August 2021, girls constituted 40% of primary education students. The presence of women in Afghan higher education had increased almost twentyfold, from 5,000 in 2001 to over 100,000 in 2021, with literacy rates for women doubling during this period. Source: Unesco
The return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan has seen the reinstatement of severe restrictions on women’s and girls’ rights, including access to education. According to a report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Taliban has effectively barred girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. This policy not only curtails their right to education but also isolates them from their peers and the broader social environment, which is essential for their cognitive and emotional development.
The impact of these restrictions extends beyond the realm of education. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has emphasized that quality education must be equally accessible to all, as it is a cornerstone of societal advancement and individual well-being. The denial of education to Afghan girls not only breaches their human rights but also contributes to a broader climate of gender discrimination and social injustice. Such an environment fosters feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and depression among girls, who are forced to accept a future devoid of the opportunities that education provides.
These statistics highlight the dire consequences of the Taliban’s educational restrictions on Afghan women and girls, underscoring the urgency of international support and intervention to restore their right to education and contribute to Afghanistan’s development.
Moreover, the psychological impact on children witnessing the suppression of their mothers, sisters, and friends cannot be understated. The collective trauma experienced by a generation growing up under such oppression is likely to have long-lasting effects on their mental health. The sense of powerlessness and the internalization of gender-based discrimination can contribute to a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
During Children’s Mental Health Week, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by Afghan children, especially girls, and advocate for their rights to education and mental health support. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about building confidence, fostering resilience, and nurturing the social skills necessary for a healthy mental state. Denying Afghan girls access to education not only hampers their personal development but also perpetuates a cycle of mental health issues that could hinder the progress of an entire society.
Sahar Education, in its commitment to the empowerment of Afghan girls and women, has developed a comprehensive suite of programs that go beyond traditional education. Understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in Afghanistan, Sahar’s programs are designed to provide them with the tools and knowledge necessary for personal empowerment, mental well-being, and societal change. Our curricula encompass a wide range of topics critical to women’s empowerment, including mental health awareness, coping skills, leadership development, conflict resolution, child marriage prevention, and women’s health and reproduction. These subjects, often considered taboo and not covered in the Afghan school system, are vital for the holistic development of the girls and women we serve.
The workshops and courses offered by Sahar Education serve as a safe space for participants to discuss and learn about sensitive topics openly. Feedback from the girls involved in our programs consistently highlights the immense value they find in these workshops. By addressing issues directly affecting them and their communities, Sahar helps to foster a supportive environment where girls can build confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency. The discussions on difficult subjects not only equip them with critical life skills but also strengthen the communities within the Sahar courses. This approach ensures that the benefits of our programs extend beyond the individual participants, contributing to the broader goal of societal transformation and gender equality in Afghanistan.
This Children’s Mental Health Week, let us renew our commitment to fighting for the rights and well-being of children worldwide, starting with the urgent need to support Afghan girls’ right to education. Through education and empowerment, we can combat the mental health crisis and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
February marks the end of the winter break for many Afghan schools. This is also an important month for the mission of Sahar. Several of our programs run around school schedules and this month will see the return of our Stealth Sisters, Underground TechSheroes, and Men as Partners in Change to their classrooms.
But for many others in Afghanistan, the return to school is a harsh reminder that they have been left out. Sahar receives almost daily pleas from women and girls through email and social media, asking to be enrolled in our programs. We are working hard to expand our programs and bring hope to more of these desperate girls.
You can learn more about the students in our programs by visiting our updated website or reading our 2023 Impact Report.
Program Updates
90 Students enroll in Underground TechSheroes second round!
Today marked the beginning of the second round of Underground TechSheroes in Afghanistan! 60 students began the IT course and another 30 embarked on Coding.
This program is open to students from 15 to 20 years old who are banned from formal education under the current regime. Past students have graduated with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue employment in medical offices, become freelancers, and enroll in online courses.
This program is made possible not only by your support but also by the bravery of the teachers who hold these programs in secret locations for our students. Despite the heightened risk for the girls and the team with recent reports of the Taliban arresting women for going against their policies, they are committed to the success of these programs.
The new year brings new opportunities to change the lives of Afghan girls.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This yearly celebration of the contributions of women in the sciences is a reminder to all girls and women that their dreams are possible. Consider donating in the name of your support for women in STEM on February 11th, 2024.
Quarterly Zoom Round Table
Join Sahar Education on March 7th, 2024 to learn how underground education is changing lives this year! Register today!
Join us on March 7th for the first virtual round table of 2024
Get to Know Afghanistan
Eager to understand Afghan culture further in this time of crisis for the people of this embattled country?
“I first read A Thousand Splendid Suns just after the return of the Taliban in 2021 when Afghanistan dominated headlines around the world. If we need any reminder of why we should stand in solidarity with Afghan women now more than ever, this book is surely it. It’s a really intense story of a world we all hoped was far behind us – and yet it’s more relevant than ever to understand the lives of women under the Taliban.”
There are many ways to support the women and girls of Afghanistan. We encourage you to immerse yourself in artwork, books, and interviews about the country.
To get updates every month from Sahar, sign up for our newsletter below.
If you joined us last night, we hope you enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about our programs and mission and we welcome you to get involved in education for Afghan girls! We recorded the event for anyone who wasn’t able to join us last night and you can find the video below.
November 21st, 2023 Virtual Round Table
Your dedication to the cause is greatly appreciated as we continue to fight for girls’ education in Afghanistan!
Many of you asked how you can get involved and we are happy that you want to take a stand for women! Below are some important ways you can make a difference for Afghan women and girls.
Raise Awareness
You can find resources to support Afghan people in this time of crisis on our website. You can also sign up for our newsletter and follow our social media presence via the website. Sharing and commenting/liking our social posts is a free and easy way to raise awareness.
Volunteer
If you are interested in using your skills or connections to help Sahar Education you can volunteer or apply to join the Board of Directors. Email [email protected] to learn about these opportunities.
Donate
There are millions of girls out of school due to the Taliban’s ban on secondary education and we cannot serve them all. However, our programs create a ripple effect that changes lives and communities! Your financial support can ensure these programs continue as long as they are needed. There are multiple ways to donate.
Give with matching through GlobalGiving through January 1st! All donations (up to $1000 per donor) to the two projects listed here will receive 50% matching through the Safer World Fund. Monthly donations are also eligible for additional matching!
