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.
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.
The Taliban's War on Minds: How the Education Ban Harms Afghan Children's Mental Health
Since regaining power, the Taliban have weaponized education, denying this essential lifeline to millions of Afghan children, particularly girls. The ban on female education beyond the sixth grade is a devastating blow to young girls who aspire to build their futures but are now barred from the classroom.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
A child bride is sold for around $2,000. They are subjected to abuses most of us dare not imagine. And it is preventable.
40 Women Enroll in Threads of Hope
Besides learning how to read and write, the program aims to provide participants with the opportunity to gain skills that will lead them to become financially independent.
Two Years of Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan
The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan over the past two years has brought about significant shifts in the lives of women and girls, impacting their access to education, social roles, and mental well-being. While promises of change have been made, the reality on the ground remains complex and often daunting. This blog sheds light on the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls under the Taliban, particularly concerning education, social dynamics, and mental health.
July 2023 Newsletter
This July, Sahar is proud to share with you the story of Sadaf, a graduate of the first round of our Stealth Sisters program. Sadaf has an inspiring story, as do all the girls brave enough to pursue education when it is not freely granted. Those girls and women who brave the wrath of the Taliban to learn are extraordinary. This is the true story of their triumph over the Taliban.
Sahar Named Afghan Women & Girls Education NPO of the Year
Sahar Education is pleased to accept the award for Afghan Women’s and Girls Education NPO of the year 2023! Thank you to Acquisition International for recognizing the vital work Sahar is doing to improve equity for Afghan girls and women!
