Afghan students collaborating during a workshop
Afghan women and girls engaged in classroom learning
Students studying with dedication and focus
Young Afghan woman reading in a library surrounded by candlelight
Afghan woman working at a computer with determination
Afghan student typing on a laptop in a community space

Empowering Afghan girls

Education unlocks futures for women and their communities

We partner with educators, activists, and local leaders to deliver safe learning spaces and legal protection for Afghan girls and women living in and outside Afghanistan.

What we focus on

In Afghanistan, women and girls are banned from attending school. Our mission is to ensure they are not excluded from education. We provide safe, accessible learning opportunities that preserve their right to knowledge, growth, and a brighter future—no matter the obstacles they face.

Educational Programs

From Pashto literature to English language classes, computer science, and professional training for Afghan women and girls.

Humanitarian Support

Emergency assistance and crisis response, including support for earthquake-affected families and communities in need.

Impact since 2022

Working alongside communities, we support learning opportunities that reach girls wherever they are.

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Stories of resilience and hope

Behind every statistic, there are real people with real dreams. These stories remind us why our work matters.

Sharbat Gula as a young refugee, representing the resilience of Afghan women

The Afghan Girl: A Journey of Courage

From refugee child to symbol of hope

In 1984, a young Afghan refugee named Sharbat Gula became the face of millions displaced by war. At just 12 years old, she fled her village after Soviet attacks, finding refuge in Pakistan's Nasir Bagh camp. Her piercing green eyes, captured by photographer Steve McCurry, became one of the most iconic images of our time—representing the resilience and dignity of Afghan women in the face of unimaginable hardship.

For 35 years, Sharbat lived as a refugee, raising her children while facing constant uncertainty. In 2016, she was arrested and deported from Pakistan for possessing forged documents—a common reality for Afghan refugees seeking basic rights. But her story didn't end there. In 2022, as the Taliban returned to power, she was evacuated to Italy, where she finally found safety and asylum.

Sharbat's journey mirrors the experiences of countless Afghan women we serve. Like her, they have faced displacement, persecution, and the constant threat of losing everything. But also like her, they possess an unbreakable spirit and an unwavering determination to build better futures for themselves and their children.

Today, Sharbat's story reminds us that every Afghan woman deserves the chance to live with dignity, safety, and hope. Through education, support, and advocacy, we help women like Sharbat not just survive, but thrive—proving that no regime can extinguish the light of human potential.

Follow our journey

Stay connected with our community and get the latest updates on our programs, stories from students, and ways you can make a difference.

Farkhunda Foundation | Farkhunda Foundation