London: A ground-breaking initiative to empower Afghan women through education was announced today with the launch of a $50 million fund. The ambitious project aims to identify exceptionally talented women and girls from Afghanistan, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The fund will provide comprehensive scholarships for these students to attend leading universities in the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
The World Afghan Congress, Afghan Council of Great Britain, Federation of European Afghan Associations (FEAA) and World Afghan Business Council are coming together to collaborate to have the biggest impact and build a fund for the daughters of Afghanistan by the people of Afghanistan.
The “Afghan Education Fund” will be raised through the generous contributions of the global Afghan community, philanthropic businesses and educational institutions worldwide. Organisers expressed confidence in the global Afghan community’s willingness to invest in the potential of Afghan women, who face significant barriers to education and personal development in Afghanistan.
“We believe that education is the key to unlocking the immense potential of Afghan women and the path towards their personal and social freedom,” stated Maryam Atmar, a leading member of the steering committee and a prominent figure in the Afghan diaspora. “By providing access to world-class universities and comprehensive support, we are not just offering scholarships; we are investing in the future leaders and change-makers of global Afghan community.”
Individuals with exceptional academic promise and a demonstrated commitment to education will be selected. Special attention will be paid to ensuring that girls from marginalized regions and those facing economic hardship are given equal opportunities. The emphasis on STEM fields aims to address the shortage of women in these crucial sectors among the Afghan community and equip Afghan women with the skills needed for future economic development.
Once enrolled in their respective universities, the scholarship recipients will receive full financial support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses and travel. Beyond financial support, the program will also provide crucial mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey. Experienced professionals and academics will be paired with the students to offer support, advice and networking opportunities.
Looking beyond graduation, the initiative will actively work to facilitate the transition of these talented women into the global workforce. Partnerships with leading international corporations and World Afghan Business Council across various sectors will be forged to create graduate job opportunities.
This will enable the scholars to gain invaluable professional experience, build successful careers and ultimately contribute their skills and knowledge back to society, both within their host countries and potentially in Afghanistan in the future.
“Our vision extends beyond simply providing education,” explained Dr Hotak, a key business leader involved in the fundraising efforts. “We want to create a pipeline of highly skilled and empowered Afghan women who can become influential figures in their fields and inspire future generations. By connecting them with global opportunities, we are fostering their growth as professionals and as agents of positive change.”
The launch of the Afghan women education fund has been met with widespread enthusiasm from the international community and organisations working to support Afghan women’s rights. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that the talent and potential of Afghan women are not lost and that they are given the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world.