Giving Compass' Take:
- Allie Renar spotlights the work of Sahar Education in supporting Afghan women and girls' right to education with underground schools.
- How can donors and funders be sure that they are supporting education initiatives which center the voices of Afghan women and girls?
- Learn more about key issues in education and how you can help.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits focused on education in your area.
What is Giving Compass?
We connect donors to learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions. Learn more about us.
As we mark three years since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the situation for Afghan women and girls 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.
Afghan Women Face Gender Apartheid and Education Bans
Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has witnessed a harsh resurgence of gender apartheid for Afghan women and girls. 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 Afghan women and girls, 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 meaningful 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.
Read the full article about Afghan women's right to education by Allie Renar at Global Washington.