Empowering Afghan Women Through Education: Monash GPS’s Key Initiatives

Empowering Afghan Women Through Education: Monash GPS’s Key Initiatives

In response to the Taliban’s 2021 takeover in Afghanistan, which drastically curtailed educational access for women and girls, the Monash Global Peace and Security Centre (Monash GPS) has introduced two pivotal educational projects under the leadership of Parisa Sekandari. The first, “Broken Dreams: The Psychosocial Impact on Afghan Girls,” is an insightful collection of essays written by Afghan women, sharing their experiences and resilience under harsh conditions. This project not only voices their struggles but also highlights the psychological impacts of their lives under Taliban rule.

The second initiative, the Afghan Girls Training project, is an online program set to begin in July 2024. It aims to equip young Afghan women with essential research and writing skills, fostering their educational engagement, confidence, and advocacy capabilities in a supportive environment. Parisa Sekandari and her team emphasize education as a transformative tool for social change, economic independence, and women’s rights advocacy. This program represents a significant step towards empowering Afghan women by restoring educational opportunities and advocating for systemic change. Applications for participation are currently open to young women residing in Afghanistan.

For more details or to apply, please reach out by June 21 to globalpeaceandsecurity@monash.edu.