Dare to Educate Afghan Girls | Shabana Basij-Rasikh | TED Talks

Summary

In a heartfelt recounting, a young woman reflects on her childhood in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, where she disguised herself as a boy to attend a secret school. Despite the risks, her family's commitment to education allowed her to become a proud graduate of Middlebury College. Now an advocate for girls' education as a global ambassador for 10x10 and cofounder of SOLA, she highlights the courage of families like Ahmed's, who defy threats to secure their daughters' futures. She emphasizes the importance of male support in Afghan society and expresses hope for lasting change as over three million girls now attend school.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The speaker's father joyfully announced the end of Taliban rule, marking a significant moment for girls' education in Afghanistan.
• 📚 Education for girls was illegal under Taliban rule, forcing the speaker to disguise herself as a boy to attend a secret school.
• 🏠 The speaker's family prioritized education despite the risks, demonstrating a commitment to girls' rights in a challenging environment.
• 👨‍👧 The narrative highlights the importance of male support in advocating for girls' education, exemplified by fathers like Ahmed.
• 🌟 The speaker's grandfather, a progressive figure, defied societal norms to ensure his daughter received an education.
• 🎓 The speaker graduated from Middlebury College, becoming a symbol of hope and achievement for girls in Afghanistan.
• 💪 Despite historical challenges, over three million girls are now enrolled in schools across Afghanistan.
• 🤝 The speaker co-founded SOLA, a boarding school for girls, emphasizing the importance of accessible education.
• 🌈 The speaker expresses optimism for lasting change and a brighter future for girls in Afghanistan.
• 🌍 The narrative underscores the need for global support and awareness regarding women's education rights in Afghanistan and beyond.

Q & A

What event made the speaker's father extremely happy when she was 11?

The speaker's father was overjoyed when he heard on BBC News that the Taliban were gone, which meant that girls could go to school again.

How did the speaker manage to continue her education during the Taliban regime?

The speaker dressed as a boy to escort her sister to a secret school since it was illegal for girls to attend school under Taliban rule.

What sacrifices did the speaker's family make for her education?

The speaker's father emphasized the importance of education, stating he would sell their blood to pay for her school fees if necessary, indicating the lengths they were willing to go to ensure she received an education.

How did the speaker's grandfather influence her education?

The speaker's grandfather was a progressive figure who insisted on educating his daughter (the speaker's mother), even at the cost of being disowned. His values significantly impacted the speaker's educational opportunities.

What milestone did the speaker achieve after graduating from Middlebury College?

After graduating, the speaker became the first woman to drive her grandfather through the streets of Kabul, symbolizing her personal achievements and the breaking of cultural barriers.

What is SOLA, and why was it founded?

SOLA is the first boarding school for girls in Afghanistan, co-founded by the speaker to provide educational opportunities in a country where it is still risky for girls to go to school.

What challenges do girls in Afghanistan face regarding education today?

Despite improvements, girls in Afghanistan still face significant risks and societal pressures that may deter their education, including threats from extremist groups.

What role do fathers play in the education of girls in Afghanistan, according to the speaker?

Fathers are often pivotal in supporting their daughters' education, as the speaker notes that behind many successful girls is a father who values their education and advocates for their future.

How does the speaker view the future of education for girls in Afghanistan?

The speaker is hopeful about the future of education for girls in Afghanistan, especially with the support of parents who advocate for their daughters' education, despite concerns about the sustainability of these changes.

What does the speaker mean by saying Afghanistan is a 'country of hope and boundless possibilities'?

The speaker believes that despite the challenges, there are opportunities for positive change and growth in Afghanistan, particularly for girls who are determined to pursue their dreams.