My Story of Success and Transformation with Sahar Education
I was in the middle of depression, worries, and darkness when I heard about online education. I wasn’t hopeful till I entered and got introduced to Sahar Education (learning upgrade program). It was totally strange to learn through a game like application but bit by bit I come to the understanding that all they did were super amazing and a through way to encourage me learn in a constructive and engaging way and slowly with the support, help and encouragement of my dearest teachers and the Sahar Education mentor I rebuilt my resilience, confidence and motivation for learning.
Reflection on Mina Sharifi: Uplifting Through Joy, Resilience, and Relentless Love
There are people whose work moves quietly but leaves a deep, permanent imprint on the world. Mina Sharifi is one of those people. In a conversation that felt like both an interview and a gentle unfolding of truths, I learned more than just about her initiatives, I was reminded of what it means to lead with heart, humility, and unwavering dedication.
Gender Apartheid - Calling It What It Is
On June 25, 2025, over 50 international stakeholders gathered in London for a conference organized by DEFAW - Defenders of Equality, Freedom, and Advancement for Women - to discuss the oppression of women in Afghanistan and what steps the international community can take to meaningfully intervene.
The Power Granted to Some
The Taliban Regime, notorious for its extreme religious views and conservative vision for its country, has spared no cost to mold the Afghanistan of their dreams. Women have been silenced, banned from the workforce, and forced to become prisoners in their own homes. The potential to be a thriving nation with abundant economic opportunity and global standing has been eroded at the hands of the de facto government. In the midst of the war the Taliban has waged on its people, there has been one recipient granted the privilege of mercy: young Afghan men.
Underground TechSheroes: Tools for Empowerment
In Afghanistan, girls have been banned from schools since 2021, but women and girls continue to procure access to computers, technology, and the internet; programs like Sahar’s Underground TechSheroes have created a lifeline for them, teaching them foundational skills in information technology and coding, so that they can maintain a connection to the outside world and take advantage of work opportunities to advance their position.
It is perhaps even more significant that, in addition to the IT skill-building that this program provides, it works in concert with Sahar’s empowerment program to give Afghan women hope for the future, and a drive to move forward, share knowledge, and build community. Participants report that prior to taking classes, they lacked confidence, experienced depression, and felt isolated, but following participation in the program, they became empowered to use their new skills to seek and thrive in employment. The program has served 585 girls so far, and continues to grow in reach.
The Cost of Lives: Count with Me
Every 2 hours, a woman in Afghanistan dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications.
Amidst conflict, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare—especially in remote areas—women face overwhelming challenges. Restrictions on women humanitarian workers and cuts in funding are making it worse.
But there is hope. The Threads of Hope program by Sahar Education empowers women with education, skills for income, and vital health knowledge. Together, we can help women protect their health and build a better future.
International Women’s Day: A Call to Action for ALL Women and Girls
Join us this International Women’s Day as we celebrate achievements, reflect on ongoing struggles, and take action for gender equality. Learn how you can support women and girls worldwide, including those in Afghanistan fighting for their rights.
Dominos Falling in International Aid
The staggering number of those who are unable to get their daily dietary needs met within the country is “6 million people who are probably eating one or two meals a day and it's just bread and tea” (reuters.com).
The Invisible Crime of Gender Apartheid
The international community must make it clear that it will not normalize relations with the Taliban until the regime ends its war on women, and predominantly Muslim countries could play a critical role. Notably, Qatar – which has long acted as a mediator between the Taliban and the West – has condemned the Taliban’s policies, as has Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates has gone further, denouncing Afghanistan’s ban on girls’ education as a violation of “the teachings of Islam” that “must be swiftly reversed.”
The Taliban’s Ban on Books
The goal of this book ban is to minimize written content that citizens could be exposed to and potentially embed in their beliefs that contradict the teachings of the Taliban. While the prohibition of literature may seem like a small limitation in comparison to the others that exist in this country, it has severe consequences on how people survive under these conditions.
The Ban on Safe Births
The plight of women: No treatment by men and no female midwives.
No midwives, no treatments, no health care at all.
That is the future Afghan women are facing.
Turning 'Not This Time' Into 'Yes, We Can'
As the year comes to a close, we invite you to help ensure that no woman ready to take a bold step forward is turned away. Your generosity will enable us to expand Threads of Hope, open more learning spaces, and provide the essential resources these women need to succeed.
Reflections and Resolve: Three Years After the Taliban Takeover
As we mark the third year since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, we reflect on the profound changes that have shaped the lives of millions, especially the women and girls of Afghanistan. This anniversary is a somber reminder of the hardships our sisters face under a regime that seeks to silence their voices and dim their futures.
SAHAR one of 35 finalists in .ORG Impact Awards
It's official! We are a finalist in the 2024 #ORGImpactAwards Quality Education for All award! Please share and cheer for us as Public Interest Registry announces the winners on October 8th at orgimpactawards.org.
“Another Year of Entrance Exams Without Women” Recording Release
For the 3rd time since the Taliban takeover, in 2021, women in Afghanistan are barred from taking college entrance exams. There have been no new women trained as doctors, lawyers, or office managers in Afghanistan. Best-selling author, Nadia Hashimi joins Shogofa Amini of Sahar Education to discuss the toll this continued gender apartheid is taking on Afghan women.
Breaking News: Women Allowed Limited Medical School Enrollment
They remind us that while progress is being made, much work still needs to be done. Our resolve to empower Afghan women through education has never been stronger.
