Empowerment through education: A journey from Afghanistan to the UK
By: Bahara
Living a peaceful life and having access to education are privileges that many of us take for granted. Yet, for countless individuals across the globe, and especially for the people of Afghanistan, these privileges have remained out of reach for decades. Growing up in Afghanistan, I witnessed firsthand inequalities in the society, where girls are often devalued and seen as burdens to their families. Despite these challenges, my mother advocated for women's education and rights, risked her life to ensure that I could attend school and university, becoming the first generation in my family to receive higher education abroad.
My educational journey in New Delhi, India, was transformative beyond my own studies, focusing on empowering Afghan students, especially girls. I engaged in projects to uplift and educate, building management and leadership skills among young Afghan women. This experience broadened my commitment to education, particularly with my involvement in "Inspired By Her," an AIESEC project in Afghanistan focused on women's empowerment through educational training. These initiatives provided platforms for learning and growth, enabling these women to envision and strive for a promising future.
I joined the Ministry of Education, working under the World Bank's EQRA project. The EQRA Project's mission was to enhance equitable access to primary and secondary education, especially for girls in lagging cities and to improve learning conditions across Afghanistan. This was more than a job; it was a personal mission to empower my community through education, especially in light of the societal barriers that women face (Shayan, 2015).
However, after the collapse of Afghanistan's government in August 2021, I found myself in the midst of unthinkable challenges. Surviving life threats and persecution, I had no choice but to flee my country in search of safety and a new beginning. This journey shattered my career and spirit, leaving me with nothing but the determination to rebuild my life. Arriving in the UK, I confronted a reality that was both heart-wrenching and incredibly challenging. Stripped of everything I once knew, I faced the harsh reality of loss and displacement. The pain of losing my homeland, my loved ones scattered across the world, and my career was overwhelming.
Yet, even in the midst of this darkness, I refused to lose hope. I was fortunate to receive a Sanctuary scholarship from the University of East Anglia (UEA) to pursue my Master in Public Policy and Public Management. This opportunity was transformative, helping me rebuild my life and continue my advocacy for education as a tool for empowerment.
Through my studies at UEA, I was involved in The Suitcase and Finding Home in Education projects where I realised the power of storytelling and art-based healing. Therefore, my advocacy now extends to ensuring women have access to higher education through campaigning, mentoring and fundraising.
Image: Bahara's suitcase from 2023's exhibition The Suitcase, featuring a plant grown in the soil of her homeland
Image: Bahara's poster created for the 2024 exhibition Finding Home in Education at UEA
This journey has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education as a tool for empowerment, resilience and change. It is a reminder that access to education should not be a privilege but a fundamental right for all, regardless of gender or refugee status. In the UK, scholarships such as Sanctuary Scholarships play a vital role in offering refugees a pathway to higher education, embodying a commitment to inclusivity and support for those who have been displaced by conflict and persecution.
As I share my story, I call on policymakers, educators, and communities in the UK and beyond to recognise and address the barriers that women and refugees face in accessing education. It is imperative that we work together to create more inclusive policies and programmes that not only facilitate access to education but also ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Here are specific actions you can take to make a difference:
- Support organisations and campaigns that focus on education for refugees and women
- Volunteer as a mentor for students from conflict-affected regions
- Advocate for policies that increase access to education for underrepresented groups.
Together, we can build a world where education is a bridge to opportunity, empowerment, and equality for everyone. Let us commit to making this vision a reality, inspiring others to share their stories and advocate for change. In doing so, we can create a future where education serves as a hope and transformation, both for individuals and for societies at large.