I was one year away from my degree when they shut the doors on us. But education is not a building—it’s a mindset, and I refused to stop learning.
Husnia Saeed
Husnia was in her final year at the Faculty of Public Administration and Policy when the Taliban closed universities in Afghanistan to women on December 20, 2022.
Like thousands of other Afghan girls, my dreams felt out of reach. It was as if my future had been stolen.
But she refused to let her education end there. Turning to online learning, she completed a research methodology program and earned a recognized certificate from Germany. Her thirst for knowledge led her to a leadership conference, where she excelled, earning recognition and later joining the organization as the Head of Human Resources.
Through my work, I connected with people from around the world, gaining experience and proving that Afghan women are not voiceless—we are leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
Her dedication opened doors to new opportunities. She joined an international education program collaborating with UNESCO, teaching English and computer skills to Afghan women who had been deprived of education.
Despite the challenges we face every day, I was able to contribute meaningfully—to give other girls the education they were denied.
While teaching, she continued her own professional development, securing an internship at an international American company, where she trained in human resources and digital marketing.
For Husnia, education is not just about personal success—it’s about lifting others along the way.
If we can create opportunities for learning—not only for ourselves but for others—it is one of the greatest contributions we can make to our society.
Her message to Afghan women is one of resilience:
Never give up on your dreams. There is always a way forward. Find the path that brings you closer to your aspirations, and walk it with courage.
And to the world, her request is clear:
We don’t need sympathy. We need action. Open the doors of education for Afghan girls so we can build a future that is educated and enlightened.
From lost opportunities to new beginnings, from online classrooms to international leadership, Husnia Saeed’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance.
Education is not just our right—it is our strength. And we will never stop fighting for it.
Husnia Saeed
Open Mic is The Afghan Times podcast, where Afghan women share their stories in their own voices, on their own terms—open to every Afghan woman.
