Taliban-governed Afghan women defying constraints, advance in coding, steering toward a more radiant future
Empowering Afghan Women Through Secret Online Coding Courses
In the face of oppressive restrictions, a group of determined individuals have launched clandestine online coding courses for women in Afghanistan. These initiatives, primarily started by members of the Afghan diaspora, have emerged as a critical lifeline for women seeking education since the Taliban's return to power in 2021 and their subsequent ban on women's education beyond primary school.
One such initiative is the Vision Online University, founded by Zuhal, a 20-year-old Afghan woman who uses a nickname for fear of reprisals. Launched approximately 18 months ago, the academy currently boasts a team of 150 teachers and administrators and over 4,000 students enrolled.
One of these students is Sodaba, a pharmacology student who turned to online learning after the ban. Sodaba found a free computer coding course taught in Dari, the local language, by a young Afghan refugee living in Greece. Through this course, Sodaba learned computer programming and website development, which helped her regain confidence and clarity.
Another significant player in this educational revolution is Murtaza Jafari, a teenage refugee from Afghanistan who learned computer coding in Greece and later created Afghan Geeks. Murtaza now has 28 female students in three classes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
However, these online academies face challenges. Zuhal struggles to afford internet service for the academy, and the lack of funding prevents them from using premium online services that allow large group meetings. Murtaza Jafari's courses are also conducted clandestinely due to safety concerns.
Despite these challenges, these online coding courses have had a profound impact on the lives of Afghan women. They offer not only technical skills but also psychological hope and job opportunities, helping women regain confidence and maintain hopes for their futures despite harsh restrictions. Students describe the training as crucial for achieving their career dreams and overcoming the limitations imposed by the Taliban.
In addition to coding courses, Vision Online University offers courses in various subjects, including psychology, foreign languages, Quranic studies, nursing, public speaking, and more. Zuhal is also pursuing a degree in computer science through an American online university, the University of the People.
These secret, online initiatives serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of Afghan women seeking education and empowerment under difficult circumstances. They offer a glimmer of hope in a challenging environment, providing a vital lifeline for the future of Afghan women.
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- Amidst the Taliban's ban on women's education beyond primary school, some find refuge in online education, particularly in technology fields like computer coding, such as Sodaba, a pharmacology student who learned programming and website development through a free course taught in Dari.
- As education and self-development opportunities dwindle in Afghanistan, entertainment, general news, and sports websites serve as a distraction for some, while casino and gambling sites offer an escape, albeit an illegal one, to others, highlighting the growing need for alternative sources of diversion under the Taliban's regime.
- The success stories of Vision Online University and Afghan Geeks have not gone unnoticed, making headlines in international news sources, showcasing the global interest in the underdog narratives of Afghan women fighting for their right to education and self-improvement, one byte at a time, amidst oppressive restrictions.
