When the Taliban took over, all my dreams, hopes, and goals seemed to vanish before my eyes. But I reminded myself—I still had goals to achieve, and I couldn’t give up.
Rohina graduated high school with remarkable achievements—winning medals in football, placing second in scientific Olympiads, actively participating in cultural events, debates, and computer programs, and even being part of Afghanistan’s Young Scientists Club at the national level. But just as she stood on the brink of her future, the Taliban’s takeover changed everything.
I was in shock. In fear. I thought everything I had worked for had been ruined.
Yet, instead of surrendering to despair, she pushed forward. She secured a scholarship and began her studies in medicine—the field she had dreamed of since childhood. But after just one year, when the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021 and later closed universities to women on December 20, 2022.
It was incredibly painful to have my education taken from me—not because of my ability, but because of my gender.
In that moment, Rohina made a promise to herself:
I wouldn’t stop. I wouldn’t accept these circumstances.
Determined to keep learning, she turned to online programs, joining courses in English, German, and leadership. She participated in Afghanistan’s largest youth dialogue, studied atrophy, and even explored art. Over the past nine months, she has mastered web design, UI/UX design, HTML, and coding, successfully designing her own project.
Learning these skills was not easy. It required time management, responsibility, and discipline. But I kept going.
Despite the obstacles, Rohina’s persistence paid off—she was accepted into an online university for women and now studies remotely. But she wanted to do more than just learn—she wanted to give back.
She now volunteers with the NYU Learning Academy and Hope Organization, which provide online education for Afghan women and girls. She works as a graphic designer and education coordinator, helping connect Afghan women and girls with educational opportunities.
I introduce my friends to programs that can change their lives. I encourage them to read, to learn, to grow.
Even with a full schedule, she continues to push forward. She is currently preparing for an international English exam, applying to universities abroad, and learning graphic design, particularly Photoshop.
But Rohina’s ambitions don’t stop there.
Her greatest dream is to become a heart surgeon—a goal she refuses to abandon. She also plans to establish a foundation that supports Afghan women and children, using education as the most powerful tool for change.
I believe education can transform society. I will do everything in my power to ensure Afghan girls have access to it.
To the world, her message is clear:
Support education. Invest in programs that provide skills, learning resources, and job opportunities for women. Many Afghan girls can no longer physically attend school, but online platforms can offer life-changing opportunities.
And to every Afghan woman fighting against the odds, she says:
You are stronger than the difficulties you face. Believe in yourself. Each of you has unique talents and immense potential. Discover yourself, and together, we will bring light and color to even the darkest days.
Through loss and uncertainty, Rohina Nazari continues to carve her own path—one filled with knowledge, perseverance, and hope.
I know my journey will not be easy, but I will never give up.
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.
