Since the Taliban lost political power in 2001, the quality of life  in Afghanistan for women have drastically become more progressive. Women have been able to attend schools and universities but systemed issues like domestic violence and lack of resources for women have been interwoven in society for a long time. 

With the Taliban regime taking over, all progress that has been made has come to a halt. The million dollar question of  what will happen to girls in Afghanistan is one of the most popular inquiries circling around the globe.  However, one girl’s boarding school for girls is displaying the bravery and circumstances that young girls and women are having to go through.

Shabana Basij-Rasikh is the co-founder of the only all girl’s boarding school in Afghanistan “School of Leadership.” Shabana graduated from Oxford University with a master in public policy while also a a degree from Middlebury college in gender and international studies. Winning CNN’s top international women in 2014 she continues to make countless impacts supporting and creating SOLA (School of Leadership Academy). SOLA for many years has created a foundation of educating and creating opportunities for the young women of Afghanistan. 3 weeks ago since the Taliban took over, almost 250 of the faculty, staff, and students have fled to Rwanda to continue their studies. Upon evacuating immediately the school burned all the records of the students so their loved ones and peers couldn’t wouldn’t be threatened, or and possibly killed by the Talibian regime. Students are re-taking their placement tests in Rwanda with their old records up in flames. Shabana quotes that this is not a permanent switch as they hope to go back to Afghanistan when all is right again.

 There are many stories, just like this one, about women, girls trying to leave this new institution of the Taliban that does not support them. Sadly, not everyone gets this chance.  There is a certain cloud of uncertainty flooding the atmosphere of what is going to happen to women in Afghanistan. Forced marriages, the killing of women journalists, women who made up 27% of the parliamentary system there. Right now using our loving and open to growth Ignatius values we can reach out to different organizations and create action to help the families and women of Afghanistan.