Education is pivotal in promoting gender equality, and Sahar is committed to preventing and combating gender discrimination by supporting girls’ and women’s education in Afghanistan. Education is a fundamental human right; however, it is well known that since the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan, education has once again been taken away from millions of Afghan girls. Currently, formal education is banned for girls above 6th grade in Afghanistan. As an organization expanding access to girls’ Education in Afghanistan for 20 years, we at Sahar are deeply saddened and enraged by the decision. We use strategies to redirect our rage and sadness towards strengthening our efforts of providing girls’ access to quality education.

Over the past 20 years, Sahar has worked to build, repair, and supply the needs of 25 girls’ schools in Balkh province of Afghanistan while also training teachers and improving the curriculum. In communities where the literacy rate for women continues to be low, Sahar has run programs that focus on literacy and vocational training.

To close gender gaps through education, Sahar understands the need for training and awareness around topics such as, digital literacy, early marriages, allyship with men, and women’s health. Sahar’s digital literacy program aims to pave the way for girls to access higher education and job skills through technology. Early marriage prevents many girls from graduating high school in Afghanistan, therefore, through the Prevention of Early Marriage program, Sahar works to break down that barrier. Building allyship with men and involving them in the process of change-making is essential for gender equity. Sahar’s Men as Partners in Change program focuses on achieving better health and education outcomes by allying with men and creating communities that recognize the value of both genders.

Read the full article about educating girls in Afghanistan by Meetra Alokozay at Global Washington.