Can you share your personal experiences of how the Taliban ban on education impacted your life? 

Qudsia: I was a Math teacher and the only breadwinner of a family of 5 through my teaching, but I lost my job and income when the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Not only this, my dream of becoming a Mathematician was ruined. I wanted to do my master’s in mathematics, break the stereotypes, and prove to the world that a woman can also excel in science, but all came to an end with the Taliban takeover and the whole science community shattered in Afghanistan. The Taliban ban on education did not take only from me my educational opportunity but also from my sister, who was in the university and from all women who had hope for a better future through their education. Due to the ban on education and security reasons, my family and I had to flee the country and became refugees in Pakistan. 

It is disappointing to witness how our progress has been reversed by the Taliban’s oppressive regime. Through sharing my experiences, I hope to shed light on the consequences of the Taliban’s actions and emphasize the urgent need for support and advocacy to ensure that education is a fundamental right for everyone, irrespective of gender or background.

Do you think displacement affected your aspirations and future goals (both positive/negative)? If yes, how? Can you share with us any challenges or opportunities you experienced in access to education?

Qudsai: Yes, displacement has significantly impacted my aspirations and future goals, both positively and negatively. When my family and I arrived in Pakistan as refugees, we faced numerous challenges and lacked our basic rights, and our dreams were shattered. I have received a rejection from almost 45 schools, and my sisters could not manage to continue their university due to our refugee status and as we all do not have a Pakistani ID card. Even my younger brother got rejected from school, and it remained etched in my memory and was truly heart-wrenching.

As a refugee without any financial support, I have to work tirelessly from morning until midnight to manage our living here in Pakistan. I always had stress and tension about whether my contract will be renewed next month. In this way, all my dreams became ruined to have a normal life and enjoy at least our basic rights as a refugee. 

Despite all these challenges, my siblings got an opportunity to learn and play some musical instruments, which were offered for free for Afghan refugees by an organization working for refugees. For the first time, my mother got a chance to learn English. These opportunities bring hope and joy to our lives as refugees even though we cannot continue our academic learning. 

What type of support do you think is necessary for Afghan women and girls in exile to succeed in pursuing their education?

Qudsia: Serval support is crucial for Afghan refugee women to pursue their education while in exile. Displaced Afghan women are more at risk of discrimination and harm, so the provision of safe and secure spaces where Afghan women and girls can study. The financial challenges many Afghan families in exile, like me, face make it difficult to afford their educational expenses; therefore, providing scholarships, grants, and waiving tuition fees can help Afghan refugee women continue their education. Language barriers can pose significant challenges for Afghan women and girls in accessing education in exile. Offering language courses can empower them to join the education system more effectively. Other support could be increasing their access to technology and digital resources by providing internet, online education platforms and devices. There should be support at that advocacy and policy level to promote the right to education for refugee women. Besides all these, psychological support is essential in the life of refugee women to address their emotional well-being and build their resilience to enable them to pursue their education.

Through education, we can acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence to have a successful life and contribute to the development of our communities and society. 

What types of education and skill-building training programs (e.g diploma/certificate/short courses) do you think are necessary for Afghan refugee women and girls to have access to?

Qudsia: from basic literacy that provides a foundation for further learning and development to higher educational opportunities such as diplomas, certificates and short courses in different fields that will open doors to advance career opportunities and professional growth necessary for refugee women. Language skill programs, vocational training, leadership and empowerment programs, financial literacy training and even health and hygiene training are important for refugee women as each in their own value can equip them with the knowledge, abilities, and confidence to rebuild their lives, contribute to their host communities, and unlock their full potential.

In your opinion, how can education help to promote gender equality and empower refugee women and girls, and contribute to their future success in the new host country?

Qudsia: Education is fundamental in promoting gender equality, empowering refugee women and girls, and contributing to their future success in the new host country. Education raises their awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination and empowers them to challenge social norms and stereotypes. Education enables them to participate in social, economic and political life. Education provides employment opportunities, including higher paying jobs for refugee women that help in women’s economic independence, which in turn can contribute to the host country’s economic development. Education can help the health and well-being of refugee women and eliminate gender-based violence within families. 

Education impacts the social networking of refugee women in the new community, which will facilitate their social integration and help them overcome the isolation they might face. Social integration can promote their sense of belonging and active citizenship. In general, it shapes their future and the future of their communities. Education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for social transformation, equality, and sustainable development.

What role do you think host countries, NGOs, educational institutions and other women’s and human rights organizations should play in creating educational opportunities for displaced Afghan women and girls?

Qudsia: Host countries, NGOs, and educational institutions should work together to ensure equal access to education for displaced Afghan women and girls. They should develop policies and practices that eliminate barriers such as discrimination, language barriers, and financial constraints. Special attention should be given to reaching out to marginalized groups and ensuring their inclusion in educational programs. All these bodies, in partnership, could develop a comprehensive support program to address the specific needs of displaced Afghan women and girls. they can provide scholarships and other financial assistance for refugee women to access educational opportunities and pursue their academic aspirations. NGOs and human rights organizations specifically can advocate for the educational rights of displaced women and girls. Through public campaigns, policy advocacy, and awareness-raising initiatives, they can influence public opinion and mobilize support for educational opportunities.

Monitoring and evaluating educational programs and initiatives to get the feedback of displaced women to measure the progress and effectiveness and identify areas for future improvement is also essential. 

What message would you like to share with the world on this World Refugee Day about the importance of education for Afghan refugee women and girls? 

Qudsia: I would like to share with the world:

“Together, let us stand in solidarity with Afghan refugee women and girls and recognize the transformative power of education. Education is not just a fundamental right but a beacon of hope that can break the cycle of displacement, inequality, and limited opportunities.

For Afghan refugee women and girls, education is a lifeline—a pathway to empowerment, dignity, and self-determination. It is a powerful tool that can transcend borders, challenge gender norms, and foster resilience in the face of adversity.

By providing access to quality education, we can invest in the potential of Afghan refugee women and girls. We can empower them to overcome barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute to their new host countries’ social, economic, and cultural fabric.

Education offers them the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges they face, make informed decisions, and make a future filled with hope. It equips them with critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to shape their own narratives.

Moreover, education plays a vital role in promoting gender equality, dismantling stereotypes, and creating inclusive societies. When Afghan refugee women and girls are educated, they become powerful agents of change, breaking down barriers and advocating for the rights and well-being of their communities.

Let us not underestimate the impact of education in transforming lives. It fosters resilience, ignites aspirations, and cultivates a sense of belonging. It empowers Afghan refugee women and girls to rise above their circumstances and seize opportunities for growth and success.

On this World Refugee Day, let us come together to ensure that Afghan refugee women and girls have equal access to education. Let us support initiatives that provide safe and inclusive learning environments, mentorship, scholarships, and skill-building programs.

Together, we can create a world where Afghan refugee women and girls are not defined by their displacement but by their limitless potential. By investing in their education, we invest in a future where every girl can dream, learn, and succeed.

Let us unite in our commitment to education as a catalyst for change. Together, we can empower Afghan refugee women and girls, uplift their voices, and build a more inclusive and equitable world for all.”