Empowering Afghan women and girls in IT – United Nations Development Programme

In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan witnessed alarming reversals in women’s rights. Women found their freedoms curtailed in every realm, from education and employment to public participation and decision-making.

Amid these challenges, stories of resilience and hope, such as Hasina’s, stood out. A student of ICT at the University of Central Asia in Naryn city, Kyrgyzstan, Hasina is a beacon of inspiration. Supported by a cross-border UNDP initiative funded by the European Union (EU), she represents the transformative power of education.

“As a child, I was introduced to a computer, and ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by the endless possibilities that technology offers. Witnessing first-hand its ability to shape our world led me to explore and to play an integral part in this field,” she said.

Forging new paths

With a background in medical studies, venturing into IT was a leap of faith for Hasina. Societal norms and traditional gender roles often act as barriers to women’s educational and professional opportunities in many countries around the world. Yet Hasina’s transition from medicine to IT has been a personal evolution and serves as a testament to her resilience.

“Navigating through a male-dominated field like IT, I came face-to-face with enormous obstacles. However, observing the determination and passion of other women pursuing an IT major has been truly inspiring.”

A pioneering groundbreaker for Afghanistan

Despite the hurdles faced by women in Afghanistan, Hasina remains committed to her homeland’s progress. With a unique blend of medical and IT knowledge, she sees technology as a catalyst for change, especially in fields like medicine, through innovations like AI and robotics.

“Just imagine how helpful AI could be in areas with a shortage of doctors. With AI-assisted diagnosis, people could get medical attention from a distance. Additionally, robotic surgery offers a great opportunity for doctors to perform intricate procedures with highly accurate tools, which ultimately makes the surgery safer and speeds up the recovery process.”

Modern technology could be a game-changer for Afghanistan, particularly in areas with inadequate health care facilities.

“By leveraging these cutting-edge tools, we can improve the quality of medical services and make them more accessible to people, irrespective of their location. But it’s not just limited to health care; technology can also revolutionize the education sector, particularly IT colleges, by making learning more interactive and engaging. This, in turn, could help students acquire the skills to land good jobs and contribute to Afghanistan’s growth. The impact of technology, when used effectively, could positively transform the lives of the Afghan people, and I’m thrilled to see how far it can take us. Ultimately, it’s about striving towards a better future for everyone in Afghanistan.”

A bold vision for boosting IT ranks with Afghan women

Looking into the future, Hasina sees herself as a software engineer, embracing new challenges and contributing to groundbreaking IT projects. Passionate about shaping IT education and opportunities for Afghan women, she plans to leverage technology to bridge existing gaps.

“I am deeply committed to making a significant difference in the future of IT education and opportunities for women in Afghanistan. I believe technology can play a vital role in bridging the gap for women in Afghanistan, particularly now that remote work and collaboration tools are available. My passion lies in utilizing these tools to empower and uplift women in Afghanistan,” she says.

On this International Girls in ICT Day, we celebrate trailblazers like Hasina, breaking barriers and making a difference in the tech world. Their stories inspire us to advocate for a more inclusive, diverse and equitable IT sector.

20 years of EU-UNDP partnership

In 2019, the EU and UNDP launched a collaborative project to provide educational opportunities to 50 Afghan women in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. With additional EU funding in 2021, the initiative expanded to Kyrgyzstan, benefitting 105 more. By 2027, thanks to the joint efforts of the EU and UNDP, 155 Afghan women will earn academic and professional degrees in Central Asia.

This partnership exemplifies the transformative power of regional cooperation and international solidarity. By combining the EU’s resources and technical expertise with UNDP’s local insights and commitment to development, this collaboration is a catalyst for positive change. Together, they address critical issues like sustainable economic development, inclusive governance, environmental sustainability and social resilience, as well as advancing the goal of improving lives across Kazakhstan and Central Asia.