At the Omid Foundation, we see firsthand how young women in Iran and Afghanistan are fighting for a better future. Despite the challenges of oppression, war, and systemic discrimination, they refuse to be defined by their circumstances. They are students, activists, teachers, and survivors—facing immense barriers yet pushing forward with extraordinary courage.
This new generation is not waiting for change; they are creating it.
The Reality They Face
Young women in Iran and Afghanistan grow up in societies where their rights are constantly under threat. In Afghanistan, girls have been banned from attending secondary school and university, cutting off their access to education. In Iran, strict laws dictate how women should dress, behave, and live. Those who resist face arrest, violence, or even death.
Yet, instead of giving up, they are finding ways to fight back.
Defying Barriers, Embracing Education
Education has long been a battleground for women’s rights. When the Taliban banned girls’ education in Afghanistan, many assumed that young women would accept their fate. But they didn’t. Instead, they turned to secret schools, online learning, and underground study groups.
At the Omid Foundation, we offer online classes in English, digital literacy, and other critical skills, giving young women the opportunity to learn despite restrictions. Education is more than knowledge—it is empowerment, a tool for independence, and a form of resistance.
In Iran, young women are using education to challenge traditional gender roles. They pursue careers in science, technology, and activism, proving that they are just as capable as their male counterparts. They are using their voices to demand change, knowing that education is the key to a different future.
Raising Their Voices for Change
The younger generation is leading movements for women’s rights in both countries. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran was fueled by young women who refused to stay silent after Mahsa Amini’s death. They risked everything to stand in the streets, to remove their hijabs, and to demand freedom.
In Afghanistan, young women have taken incredible risks by protesting against Taliban restrictions. They march even when they know they could be arrested or beaten. They use social media to share their stories with the world, ensuring that their voices are heard despite efforts to silence them.
Building a Future of Possibilities
These young women are not just resisting oppression—they are shaping their own futures. Some are starting small businesses, earning their own income despite restrictive laws. Others are working as online freelancers, proving that they can be financially independent even when they are banned from working in offices.
At Omid Foundation, we support these efforts by providing education, trauma support, and career guidance. Every young woman who gains knowledge, finds her voice, and builds a career is a symbol of hope.
The Future is Theirs
The young women of Iran and Afghanistan are unstoppable. They are redefining what is possible, breaking barriers, and proving that no amount of oppression can destroy their dreams. They are not just surviving—they are changing their future.
And we stand with them, every step of the way.
