Imagine, for one second, achieving new milestones, engaging in relevant conversations with peers, and even learning a new language. And then one day, all of that is instantly stripped away. You are now fearful at every corner you turn, scared someone may be right behind you, as you make the life-threatening journey to the dark basement of someone’s home, hoping to encounter that sliver of hope, to continue achieving those aspirations that were abruptly cut from your life.
Unfortunately, this is the tragic reality in modern-day Afghanistan, where 2.2 million girls could be jailed for something as simple as getting an education. Despite this oppression, many of these young girls are still determined to reach their full aspirations that only education can provide. One unnamed NGO provides education to roughly 1,000 students aged 13 to 45. Many of these young girls take the risks to attend hidden basement schools, even if it potentially means they could be jailed or beaten, all for trying to get what should be considered a fundamental right.
Many tactics are utilized to prevent both the teachers and students from getting caught by the Taliban. Some of these strategies include spacing out classes to prevent large numbers of girls from being seen arriving at and leaving school together, changing up how they get to school, and, if questioned, using witnesses to claim they were at the doctor’s.
The fact that these women and girls are willing to risk their lives daily proves just how important education is to them. According to an article by The Meteor “These secret rooms provide a space to connect, laugh, dance, and preserve dreams of becoming future doctors, psychologists, or leaders.”
If these young women and girls are willing to put their lives on the line, the greater global community must do the same. Instead of standing by and observing passively from the sidelines, we must actively work and find safe ways to support these girls to receive an education. Because no girl should endure the fear these women face each and every day.