From Shut Doors to Shared Classrooms

Ms. Zainab*

I was a law student with big dreams for my future. I wanted to serve my country through justice and knowledge. However, when universities were closed to girls in Afghanistan, my academic journey was suddenly interrupted. For many, this situation brought disappointment and hopelessness. But I decided not to give up. Instead of surrendering to circumstances, I turned my home into a classroom for myself. I started learning English independently. Through self-study, discipline, and determination, I improved my language skills and eventually passed the TOEFL exam. After achieving this milestone, I felt a deep responsibility. Education had given me hope during a dark time, and I wanted to give that hope to others. So, I established a small local classroom to teach girls who were deprived of education. I began teaching English, mathematics, and the Dari language. This decision was not easy. Teaching under current restrictions has been challenging and costly for me. According to certain rules and regulations, I am not officially permitted to teach foreign languages. Despite these obstacles, I continue my efforts quietly and responsibly because I believe that knowledge is the foundation of progress. My commitment has always been to serve my society. I believe that even small acts of teaching can plant seeds for a brighter future. Education is not only about books; it is about dignity, confidence, and hope. And as long as I can, I will continue to share what I know with my people.

So, this is my message:

Today, more than ever, the responsibility for the future of our country rests on our own shoulders. Unless a conscious and serious movement begins from within, the international community cannot take effective and sustainable action. Real change starts when we, as a nation, openly and collectively demand the right to education for our girls. Girls’ education is not a personal or family issue; it is a national issue. No society can progress while half of its population remains uneducated. If we truly want a prosperous, independent, and strong Afghanistan, we must actively and publicly support the right of girls to learn. At the same time, we respectfully call on international institutions and universities to offer special scholarships for Afghan girls with flexible conditions, including:

• Removing or increasing age limits for applicants

• Accepting a minimum TOEFL score of 70, or even 60 and above

• Accepting an English language certificate at the B2 level

• Providing preparatory English courses before the main academic program

• Simplifying documentation requirements for those with limited access to official records

• Prioritizing financial need as a key selection criterion •Offering online or hybrid learning options

• Creating special quotas for fields that Afghanistan critically needs for its future development

We must work on two fronts at the same time: From within, we must demand and support change. From outside, we must request fair and realistic opportunities. The future of Afghanistan depends on education, and education will never be complete without the presence of girls. With hope for national awareness and unity.

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*it is a pseudonym