Afghanistan - SAIH

Children & youth

Sep 12

Who: SAIH

What: Giving Afghan women the opportunity to continue their university studies.

Where: Afghanistan

Project period: 2024

About the project:

Together with SAIH, the Grieg Foundation is giving Afghan women the opportunity to continue their university studies. SAIH has collaborated with Ayesha Wolasmal, the University of Oslo, and the Grieg Foundation in developing this project. After the Taliban imposed a ban in 2022 that prevents all girls and women from receiving education beyond the 6th grade, Afghanistan is now the only country in the world that denies women this right. Through this innovative pilot project, 100 women will have access to digital university courses this year.

Despite restrictive rules against women’s education, there is a high demand and motivation among female students to continue studying. In collaboration with the University of Stockholm and the University of Education Freiburg/recognized European universities, SAIH offers accredited university courses in web development, languages, and economics. The courses are taught in English, Dari, and Pashto. The courses also prepare students for university education abroad if it becomes possible at a later date.

To ensure access for students living under very challenging conditions, the project also facilitates access to the internet and electricity, and provides laptops to the students who need them the most. The students also need psychosocial support and are followed up with conversations and guidance.

Through partnerships with civil society actors, academic institutions, and a professional network, we can recruit highly motivated and qualified Afghan women for high-quality university courses - despite the challenging situation. The project shows that it is possible to fight against educational apartheid in Afghanistan.