At the Omid Foundation, we believe that education is not just a tool—it is a lifeline. For women in Iran and Afghanistan, learning new skills is more than personal growth; it is a form of resistance, a path to independence, and a way to reclaim power in societies that seek to silence them.
Despite severe restrictions, women are determined to build their futures. Through education, they are finding ways to support themselves, break free from oppression, and create opportunities where none seem to exist.
The Barriers Women Face
In Afghanistan, the Taliban has banned women from attending universities and working in most professions. Girls beyond the sixth grade are shut out of schools, forced to stay home, and denied the right to an education. In Iran, gender discrimination in education and the workplace continues, with women facing systemic obstacles in fields like technology, leadership, and business.
These barriers are meant to keep women dependent and powerless. But instead, they are fueling a movement of resilience and self-determination.
Learning as an Act of Defiance
Education, in any form, is an act of defiance against systems that seek to control women. Afghan girls are attending underground schools, studying in secret to continue their education. Women in both Iran and Afghanistan are turning to online learning, proving that knowledge cannot be banned, no matter how many restrictions are imposed.
At the Omid Foundation, we provide online training in:
- English language skills – Giving women the ability to communicate with the world, access more resources, and increase job opportunities.
- Computer literacy – Helping women gain digital skills to work remotely, access education, and become financially independent.
- Human rights education – Teaching women about their rights and equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for themselves and others.
- Mental health and trauma recovery – Supporting survivors of violence and oppression, helping them rebuild their confidence and strength.
Every woman who takes a class, learns a skill, or finds a new way to support herself is breaking down barriers. She is proving that no law, no regime, and no threat can erase her right to learn.
The Power of Economic Independence
One of the most significant impacts of skill-building is financial freedom. When a woman can earn her own income, she gains control over her life. Many Afghan and Iranian women have turned to online freelancing, using their skills in writing, translation, design, and programming to work remotely. Others have started small businesses, selling handmade crafts or offering tutoring services.
Economic independence is not just about survival—it is about dignity. It is about having the power to make choices, to leave unsafe situations, and to build a future on one’s own terms.
A Future Built on Knowledge
At Omid Foundation, we stand with women who refuse to accept oppression. By providing education and skill-building programs, we help them carve their own paths to freedom.
Because when a woman learns, she doesn’t just change her life—she changes the world.
The War on Women’s Education
In Afghanistan, since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, women have been systematically erased from public life. Secondary schools and universities have been shut to female students, depriving an entire generation of the right to learn. Promises of “temporary” bans have turned into indefinite restrictions, crushing the dreams of millions.
In Iran, while women have greater access to education, they still face severe restrictions. The government dictates which fields of study women can pursue, limiting their opportunities in science, technology, and leadership roles. Those who dare to challenge these barriers risk imprisonment, exile, or worse.
For many women, education is not just about gaining knowledge—it is about survival. It is their escape from forced marriages, domestic violence, and economic dependence. Denying them this right is an act of control, keeping them powerless in a system that thrives on their oppression.
The Silent Resistance: Women Learning in Secret
Despite the bans and punishments, women refuse to give up on education. Across Afghanistan, secret schools operate in basements, private homes, and hidden spaces where women and girls gather to learn in defiance of the law. Brave teachers risk their lives to keep knowledge alive, proving that the thirst for learning cannot be extinguished by fear.
Online education has also become a critical lifeline. Organizations like ours at the Omid Foundation provide virtual classes in English, computer skills, and trauma recovery, reaching women who would otherwise have no access to education. The internet has become their classroom, allowing them to learn in secret, hidden behind closed doors but still connected to the world.
Why Educating Women is a Threat to Oppressors
Oppressive regimes fear educated women because knowledge is power. When women learn to read, write, and think critically, they begin to question authority. They challenge unfair laws, demand equality, and inspire others to resist.
History has shown that educated women change societies. They raise stronger families, contribute to economies, and become leaders. By keeping women uneducated, regimes attempt to control not just the present, but the future.
Hope in the Face of Darkness
At the Omid Foundation, we stand with these women. We believe that education cannot be erased, no matter how many doors are shut or laws are imposed. Every lesson learned, every book read, and every skill acquired is an act of defiance.
To the women fighting for their right to learn: You are not alone. The world hears you. And as long as you continue to resist, there is hope.
