Sola Mahfouz, a quantum computer researcher at Tufts University, was forced to stop going to school in Afghanistan at the age of 11 due to threats made against her family. Despite this, she took it upon herself to educate herself in English and math through online resources. Her determination led her to Arizona State University and eventually Tufts University. She is now using her platform to raise awareness about the plight of Afghan girls who are still being denied education following the Taliban’s return to power.
Fareshta Abbasi, an Afghan researcher in the United Kingdom, has highlighted the severe restrictions placed on women in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in 2021. Women are barred from education, freedom of movement, protest, expression, and assembly. These oppressive measures have left women and girls in Afghanistan with limited rights and opportunities. Mahfouz, who experienced similar limitations during her childhood, has shared her story in a memoir titled “Defiant Dreams,” co-written with Malaina Kapoor to shed light on the struggles she faced in seeking education.
Mahfouz and Kapoor are now working with Khan Academy to develop digital resources for women in Afghanistan, creating a space where women can gather, learn, and support each other in a safe environment. They are also creating an educational curriculum for American children to learn about the challenges faced by Afghan women today. Through their advocacy work with the United Nations and other organizations, Mahfouz and Kapoor aim to elevate the stories of Afghan women and girls and bring attention to the human rights violations they continue to endure.
Despite the obstacles Mahfouz faced in her own education, she has been able to teach her younger relatives in Afghanistan, helping them with English and sharing resources to promote learning. By sharing their experiences and creating awareness through various initiatives, Mahfouz and Kapoor hope to educate as many people as possible about the struggles faced by women in Afghanistan. Their ultimate goal is to continue advocating for the rights of Afghan women and girls and to bring attention to the ongoing human rights violations in the country.
The journey of Sola Mahfouz from being denied education in Afghanistan to becoming a quantum computer researcher in the United States serves as a powerful example of perseverance and determination. Her collaboration with Malaina Kapoor in raising awareness about the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls demonstrates their commitment to promoting human rights and education. Through their work with Khan Academy and other organizations, they strive to create a platform where women in Afghanistan can access educational resources and support each other in their pursuit of knowledge and empowerment.
