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Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the fall of the Islamic Republic, the country has undergone drastic changes. UNESCO reports that under Taliban rule, Afghan women are barred from many forms of public life, including higher education and employment.
Despite these extreme restrictions, many Afghan women remain determined to learn, grow, and build a better future. In 2024, Kiron launched THRIVE Afghanistan, an online learning and job-matching program designed to support these Afghan women.
THRIVE Afghanistan offers self-paced study on Kiron Campus, weekly online sessions, webinars, mentoring, and job-matching. For many, it is a lifeline. In light of the second cohort of THRIVE Afghanistan launching in the spring of 2025, four women — Roqia, Arghawan, Nazanin, and Shayesta — share their experiences taking part in the program in 2024. United in their grief over the restrictions on women’s education and work in Afghanistan, the women share a firm belief in the value of education and a hope that things will one day change.
Roqia, Arghawan, Nazanin, and Shayesta all hold a deep-rooted love for learning and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their communities, despite the great challenges they face living under Taliban rule.
Both Roqia and Arghawan advanced through higher education before the Taliban cut access to women’s schooling. Roqia earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and has a wealth of experience working for various NGOs and civil society organizations. Her passion for community development and women’s empowerment defined much of her career, as well as her character. “I had the honor of learning three languages,” she says, “which were English, Pashto, and Arabic.” Before the ban on women in employment, “working with my community gave me a sense of honor and pride,” she explains. “As long as I was working in my own field, it was very enjoyable for me. Now I am jobless and stuck at home.”
Arghawan also holds a bachelor’s degree in administration, public policy, and management, and pursued additional education in midwifery. Before the Taliban took over, she dreamed of continuing her studies and becoming a doctor. Today, despite her qualifications, Arghawan is barred from continuing her studies or practicing her profession.
Arghawan clings to hope that something will change. “I hope that all women can achieve their education and dreams because this is their inalienable right,” she says. “I wish that this prison would be broken soon so that women can have the freedom to study, work, and make decisions for themselves, like men.” Her words speak not only to personal frustration but to the collective hope of Afghan women for dignity, autonomy, and opportunity.
Unlike the other two women, Nazanin and Shayesta have not yet had the chance to gain work experience, though they are eager to do so. Shayesta had just one year of secondary school remaining when the Taliban cut her access to further education. “I deeply valued my education and the opportunities it provided,” she says. While in school, Shayesta explains she was “an active and social person, always engaged with people and involved in various activities at school.”
“The closure of schools left me feeling hopeless, as each day seemed empty and meaningless,” says Shayesta. “I found myself unable to continue pursuing my goals and future. I felt lost in darkness and overwhelmed by the sense that I could no longer achieve anything.” In a similar vein, Nazanin now calls herself “a stranger in my own country.” Nazanin found Kiron while searching for educational opportunities online during what she described as a time of desperation. “I haven't had any employment experience yet, but I'm eager to gain practical experience in the future. I'm committed to continuing my learning and gaining the skills needed to eventually pursue a career,” she says.
Shayesta chose to pursue self-studying at home in order to complete her last year of school and learn English. “This was the one thing that I could do when I was at home all day,” she says. “It was so hard for me and all women and girls in Afghanistan to stay motivated because our future looked empty. I cannot fully describe the extent of the hardship I faced before joining THRIVE Afghanistan,” says Shayesta.
Discovering Kiron and joining the THRIVE Afghanistan program marked a turning point in all four of the women's educational and personal journeys. While the program's English language skills were a big benefit, THRIVE Afghanistan also offered knowledge, practical skills, motivation, and a supportive community during an isolating time.
Roqia, in particular, learned to use digital tools such as Canvas for project management. She describes her experience with Kiron as “the most amazing and enjoyable educational journey.” Both Roqia and Shayesta cite self-paced courses, live sessions, and webinars for expanding their knowledge and rekindling their passion and ambition to reach their goals. “The webinars were very interesting,” says Shayesta. “One of the most useful ones was about mental health. It taught us how to stay strong and positive, even with the difficult situation in Afghanistan. This motivated me to keep working on my education and career, despite all the challenges we face.”
Arghawan found THRIVE Afghanistan equally transformative. Introduced to Kiron by friends, she quickly made it a daily part of her life, watching educational videos which she found informative and engaging. After joining the THRIVE Afghanistan program, she quickly built up management and online business skills and strengthened her abilities in creative areas such as design software, photography, and painting. The program boosted her confidence and helped her become more self-sufficient.
Nazanin’s journey with Kiron began when she discovered the platform online during a desperate search for opportunities like scholarships, asylum options, or places to continue her education. At first, she struggled with motivation and hesitated to start learning on Kiron Campus. But when the THRIVE Afghanistan program launched, she decided to join.
“This program became a lifeline during a time of deep uncertainty and struggle,” Nazanin says. Beyond improving her English, she gained knowledge of marketing and the important role sales and marketing skills play across many fields. She also deeply appreciates the program’s supportive community and encouragement, which helped her stay connected and motivated throughout her learning journey. The program’s structure and encouragement helped her reconnect with her passion for learning. She recalls, “Though there were times when I felt discouraged, especially as the restrictions on girls grew worse, I reminded myself that people in this program believe in us, and that has kept me moving forward.”
Shayesta shares similar encouragement she gained through THRIVE Afghanistan. “Once I started the program, it changed my perspective,” she says. “I realized that I could learn online and work towards my goals. This program has been like a light in my life. Now, I am very happy with the positive changes it has brought and the improvements it has made in my life.” Shayesta credits THRIVE Afghanistan with improving her English skills and allowing her to speak more confidently. Additionally, “I learned how to write a strong CV and cover letter,” she says. “We also practiced how to do well in job interviews, which made me feel more confident when applying for jobs.”
Roqia, Arghawan, Nazanin, and Shayesta share heartfelt advice for anyone facing barriers to education. They emphasize the importance of seizing opportunities like those provided by Kiron’s THRIVE program, which provides access to new skills and pathways for personal and professional growth.
“Even if you feel uncertain at times, keep pushing forward,” says Nazanin. “The flexibility of the programs allows you to explore different fields and skills, and the support you receive can truly help you grow,” she says. “Stay focused on your goals, keep learning, and don’t give up,” adds Shayesta. “Even if the road is difficult, each small step brings you closer to your dreams. We have the power to change our future, and with Kiron’s help, we can face any challenge. Believe in yourself and know that you can achieve great things!
The 2024 THRIVE Afghanistan cohort's commitment to learning in the face of immense challenges continues to inspire us. It has been a privilege to accompany them on their learning journey, and we look forward to supporting more Afghan women as they pursue their goals.
Learn more about the THRIVE Afghanistan program!
