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Online Academies Provide Education to Over 4,000 Afghan Women Barred by Taliban

Using secure anonymous instruction, these platforms deliver coding, academic courses to women barred by Taliban edicts

Murtaza Jafari, 25, an Afghan migrant, sits in front of his computer while teaching coding remotely to women currently living in Afghanistan, in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)
Murtaza Jafari, 25, an Afghan migrant, listens to a question during an interview with The Associated Press, after teaching coding remotely to women currently living in Afghanistan, in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)
Murtaza Jafari, 25, an Afghan migrant, sits in front of his computer while teaching coding remotely to women currently living in Afghanistan, in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Varaklas)

Overview

  • Afghan Geeks, founded by Afghan refugee Murtaza Jafari in December, offers Dari-language coding classes at beginner to advanced levels for 28 women and mentors graduates into remote internships.
  • Vision Online University, launched by a student nicknamed Zuhal with a university professor, now employs 150 volunteer instructors to teach subjects ranging from languages and psychology to nursing and public speaking to over 4,000 women.
  • Both initiatives require students to remain anonymous, prohibit video sharing and use secure online platforms to protect participants from Taliban reprisals.
  • Mentoring in job placement and digital skill development provides a rare avenue for Afghan women to access online work opportunities after most professions were closed under the Taliban.
  • Organizers face persistent challenges including limited funding, costly internet access and erratic connectivity but continue to expand course offerings to meet growing demand.