Zuhal's online university for Afghan women

When the Taliban took power in 2021, millions of Afghan women were forced out of schools, universities and workplaces. They were told their education, careers, dreams were over. Their only option was to become a housewife.

I spent time in Afghanistan earlier this year and got the chance to speak to some amazing women. What I heard broke my heart.

Just like people in the west, these girls want agency over their own futures. They are ambitious, they are passionate, they want to progress and achieve. Now stuck at home, these girls are suffering severe depression. They say the Taliban's laws go against the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Mohammed said both men and women should strive to attain knowledge. Every male Afghan I spoke to also shared this view - they want their mothers, sisters, daughters studying and working.

The most incredible person I met in Afghanistan was Zuhal, a 20 year old girl who is running an online university for girls across Afghanistan.

The university has grown to over 4,000 students who study under fake names and through encrypted WhatsApp channels to ensure their anonymity and safety. 70 volunteer professors, women who were laid off from their jobs at universities when the Taliban took control, selflessly contribute their time to teach the girls for free. Another 75 girls volunteer their time in admin roles.

I have written a detailed blog about the university which you can find here: BLOG My Trip to Afghanistan Pt 2 A woman's despair

But despite the university being free, there are over 800 girls who are desperate to study but not able to. An internet plan strong enough to join the online classes costs $US10 per month. In a country with a GDP per capita of around US$30 per month, this is out of reach for many families.

We are raising money to help as many of these girls as possible to afford internet and be able to continue their studies.

For every US$10 (A$15) raised, one girl will be able to continue her studies, and escape depression, for a month. Every A$180 allows a girl to study for a year.

Any contribution you can provide will not be futile. Every month of study allows these girls to build their knowledge and skills, and retain the hope that when the situation improves they will be well positioned to work towards their dreams.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE DISTRIBUTED TO ZUHAL?

I have set up a bank account with the express purpose to hold the money raised. The money will be sent to Zuhal via Western Union transfer, who will then use it to pay the internet bills of the girls in need. Some of the money may also be used to help the girls access education materials, like online textbooks etc. Zuhal will provide receipts and documentation to ensure every $1 raised is used for its intended purpose. We can share this documentation with the donors.

WILL THIS INITIATIVE PUT ZUHAL/ THE GIRLS IN DANGER?

The safety of the people involved is of the utmost importance. As precautions we have changed the names of the people involved and not provided any details that may give away their identities. Zuhal assures me 100% that this initiative will not compromise their safety, but will have a huge positive impact on the livelihood of the girls.

Thank you so much for your support. If you have any other questions about the initiative, please feel free to reach out to me at [email redacted]