Sahar: GiveBIG for Afghan Girls

In March 2023, the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan was extended indefinitely. Girls and women are now banned from learning past grade 6. Compounding this issue is the limited access to computer courses in remote areas and for economically disadvantaged students, making it challenging for them to receive basic computer skills training. The traditional views on women and girls’ education further exacerbate the problem, restricting their access to such courses due to safety concerns.

$22,000 will educate 150 students across a 6-month period in the Underground TechSheroes program. Students learn in 3 secret locations and need your support to continue defying the Taliban's gender apartheid! 

Despite the risks associated with pursuing education in defiance of the Taliban's edicts, there is a significant demand for Sahar Education's programs. The organization continually receives overwhelming interest and support from community members, parents, and local partners who recognize the importance of education in shaping a brighter future for their daughters and sisters. 

Recent reports show that 65% of women fear international recognition of the Taliban will impact the lives of women negatively. Women surveyed expressed concern for the girls banned from school, highlighting the importance of programs that bridge these gaps. Reports have shown increases in child marriage, confinement to religious education, and obstacles to economic empowerment and learning key skills and values. Girls saw only one path for their future: to remain uneducated and get married. Many felt “captive, weak, and with no decision-making power”. (UNAMA & UN Women, 2024)

The work of Sahar Education is not only a response to a pressing need but also a declaration of an unwavering commitment to gender equality and human rights. By investing in the education of girls and women in Afghanistan, they are not only empowering individuals to reach their full potential but also laying the foundation for a more just and prosperous society. Your support is essential in enabling Sahar Education to continue this vital work and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The Underground TechSheroes program, led by Sahar Education, is designed to empower young Afghan women by providing IT and coding education, women’s rights knowledge, and leadership opportunities. The program offers digital literacy through practical coding projects and IT classes. It also integrates workshops on women's empowerment and reproductive health, aligning with the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles to transform attitudes toward gender equality. Furthermore, the program encourages community advocacy and leadership, fostering a supportive network for educational and gender equality reforms.

Without this funding, the reality for these young women is bleak. The loss of the Underground TechSheroes program means more than just missing out on education—it represents a loss of hope, opportunity, and empowerment. These young women will face increased vulnerability in a society where educational and professional opportunities are already severely limited for them. The absence of our program means these bright, eager minds will remain underutilized, confined to the margins of their potential, unable to break the cycles of gender disparity and economic disenfranchisement.

Imagine a world where these young women, who have already shown such promise, are left without the support to grow and contribute to their communities. The impact extends beyond individual lives; it stunts the progress toward gender equality and economic development in Afghanistan. This program not only changes individual lives but also fosters a supportive community that champions broader social change.

Your support can directly prevent this grim reality. With your help, Sahar can continue to offer these life-changing opportunities, ensuring that each young woman not only survives but thrives, becoming a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change within her community. The cost of inaction is too great—both for these young women and for the future they will help to shape. Your investment in their futures is an investment in a brighter, more equitable world.