Last to Eat, Last to Learn

1. Afghan women's fight for education spans generations

"Education is a privilege. It shouldn't be, but it is."

Generational struggle. Afghan women have been fighting for education for decades, with progress often followed by setbacks. The author's grandmother, Khan Bibi, fled her marriage and educated all her children despite poverty. This legacy continued with the author's father opening a community school for girls in their refugee camp.

Cultural barriers. In Afghan culture, girls often eat last and are educated last, if at all. The Taliban's rise in the 1990s further restricted women's rights, banning them from schools and public life. Despite these challenges, many families, like the author's, prioritized education for their daughters.

Key figures in Afghan women's education:

• Queen Soraya (1910s): Opened first all-girls school
• Author's grandmother, Khan Bibi
• Author's father
• The author herself

2. Tribal roots shape identity and responsibility in Afghanistan

"Being a khan is like trying to plug leaks in a dam with nothing but a kid-size shovel at your disposal."

Tribal leadership. The author's family belongs to the Tarozai-Barakzai Durrani tribe, one of Afghanistan's largest and most influential. As a khan (tribal leader), her father was responsible for the welfare of his community, mediating disputes and advocating for their needs.

Refugee experience. Growing up in a refugee camp in Pakistan, the author straddled two worlds: her tribal heritage and the modern education system. This dual identity shaped her understanding of both traditional Afghan values and the need for progress, particularly in girls' education.

Responsibilities of a khan:

• Mediating disputes
• Advocating for community needs
• Maintaining tribal unity
• Balancing tradition with progress

3. Personal loss fuels a mission to educate rural girls

"I wanted a 2.0 version of that system, with one major difference: I wanted it out in the open."

Turning point. The author's decision to forgo Oxford University and return to Afghanistan was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to her community. Encounters with girls like Durdana, who struggled to access education in rural areas, solidified her commitment to this cause.

LEARN foundation. Inspired by these experiences, the author founded LEARN, an NGO focused on providing education to girls in rural Afghanistan. Her approach combined traditional community schools with innovative technology solutions.

Key challenges in rural education:

• Lack of schools and qualified teachers
• Cultural barriers to girls' education
• Limited access to technology and resources
• Security concerns in conflict-affected areas

4. Innovation overcomes obstacles in delivering education

"Tablets were portable enough for the girls to take with them wherever they went, no matter what happened."

Technological solution. The author partnered with Rumie, a Canadian NGO, to provide pre-loaded, solar-powered tablets to girls in rural areas. These devices offered a full curriculum without requiring internet access, making education accessible even in remote locations.

Community engagement. To ensure the success of her programs, the author worked closely with tribal leaders and local communities. She named projects after Afghan heroines, connecting modern education efforts with historical figures to build cultural acceptance.

LEARN's educational approach:

• Pre-loaded tablets with full curriculum
• Solar-powered devices for areas without electricity
• Community schools with locally recruited teachers
• Programs named after Afghan heroines for cultural relevance

5. Becoming a female tribal leader defies cultural norms

"You are him; you are him."

Unexpected leadership. Following her father's death, the author was unexpectedly called upon to lead her tribe, becoming one of Afghanistan's first female tribal leaders. This defied cultural norms and expectations, challenging both her own perceptions and those of her community.

Balancing tradition and progress. As a khan, the author had to navigate the complex dynamics of tribal politics while continuing her work in education. She pledged to lead temporarily until her brother came of age, demonstrating respect for tradition while breaking new ground.

Challenges of female tribal leadership:

• Overcoming cultural resistance
• Balancing tribal responsibilities with NGO work
• Navigating family disputes over inheritance
• Maintaining credibility in a male-dominated system

6. Peace negotiations reveal complexities of Afghan politics

"Engaging personally with the group my father fought against, in any form, even if it were on the periphery, felt like a betrayal."

Difficult decisions. The author's participation in peace negotiations with the Taliban in 2021 highlighted the complex political landscape of Afghanistan. Despite personal reservations, she recognized the need for inclusive dialogue to achieve lasting peace.

Competing interests. The negotiations revealed the divisions within Afghan society, including the gap between urban elites and rural communities, as well as the influence of foreign powers on domestic politics.

Key players in Afghan politics:

• Taliban
• Afghan government
• Western-backed "hyphenated Afghans"
• Tribal leaders
• Civil society representatives

7. The fall of Kandahar marks the end of an era

"If this was to be the last time I got to show my face, I might as well do it on TV."

Final stand. As the Taliban advanced on Kandahar in 2021, the author made the difficult decision to return to the city, despite the dangers. Her televised interview as the city fell became a poignant symbol of resistance and the end of an era.

Uncertain future. The author's eventual evacuation from Afghanistan represented not just her personal loss but the broader tragedy of a nation once again plunged into uncertainty. The fall of Kandahar signaled the collapse of the post-2001 Afghan government and the return of Taliban rule.

Impacts of Taliban takeover:

• Reversal of progress in women's rights and education
• Mass evacuations of at-risk Afghans
• Uncertain future for NGOs and civil society organizations
• International isolation and economic crisis

Last updated: October 10, 2024