At the Omid Foundation, we have seen firsthand how education can transform lives. But for many women in Afghanistan and Iran, the simple act of learning is an act of resistance. With restrictions, censorship, and bans on female education, traditional classrooms have become inaccessible. Yet, even in the face of oppression, education has found a way—behind closed doors, through the power of online learning.
The internet has become the last refuge for knowledge. It allows women to continue learning in secret, to defy the forces that seek to silence them, and to build a future that others try to deny them.
The Struggle for Education
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, girls and women have been banned from secondary schools and universities. Thousands of dreams have been put on hold, and many fear they may never be allowed back into classrooms. In Iran, while women are permitted to attend university, the government tightly controls what they can study, restricting fields like engineering and law while enforcing conservative ideologies.
For these women, access to education is not just about personal growth—it is about survival. Without it, they are more vulnerable to forced marriages, economic dependence, and a lifetime of control.
A New Classroom: Learning in Secret
With physical schools closed to them, women have turned to online learning as a lifeline. Secret study groups meet in hidden locations, logging into virtual classrooms despite the risks. At the Omid Foundation, we provide online courses in English, computer skills, and trauma recovery, helping women gain the knowledge they need to reclaim their futures.
Through online education, they can:
- Learn in safety – Women can study from their homes, reducing the risk of being punished for seeking an education.
- Connect with the world – Online platforms allow them to interact with teachers, mentors, and fellow students from across the globe.
- Build skills for independence – English, digital literacy, and vocational training provide pathways to financial freedom.
For many, these courses are more than just lessons—they are a source of hope, proving that no government can truly take away the human desire to learn.
Challenges and Risks
Despite its potential, online learning is not without its challenges. Internet access is expensive and unreliable, and in some areas, it is closely monitored by the government. Women who are caught studying online can face severe punishments, including imprisonment or violence.
But they continue to learn anyway. They hide their screens, use VPNs to bypass restrictions, and support one another in secret study groups. Their courage is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, knowledge remains a light that cannot be extinguished.
Education is Resistance
At Omid Foundation, we believe that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Every woman who logs into an online class is taking a stand against oppression. She is proving that learning cannot be banned, that knowledge cannot be erased, and that hope will always find a way—even behind closed doors.
