Entrepreneur Roya Mahboob shares her journey fleeing Afghanistan and starting Citadel Software, focusing on educating Afghanis about Bitcoin. They discuss how Bitcoin empowers people, the importance of Bitcoin education, and advice for Bitcoin educators.
Roya empowered Afghan women with Bitcoin, providing financial independence amidst traditional constraints.
Bitcoin education fosters global financial inclusivity, empowering individuals to control their finances in authoritarian regimes.
Deep dives
Roya Mabou's Initiatives in Afghanistan
Roya Mabou, an Afghan tech entrepreneur, founded Citadel Software and the Digital Citizen Fund to enhance women's technological literacy and provide opportunities for girls in Afghanistan. Recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential people, she established 13 IT centers in Afghan high schools, reaching 160,000 female students and expanded programs to several countries. Despite facing threats, she returned to Afghanistan in 2016 and launched iNURI Academy, focusing on education and technology.
Bitcoin Empowering Financial Freedom
Bitcoin served as a lifeline for Afghan women due to limited access to banks and financial services. Roya's platform paid women in Bitcoin, offering instant and secure transactions, granting ownership and financial freedom. Bitcoin became crucial during crises, like the fall of the Afghan government, where traditional banking systems failed. Its borderless nature provided a safe means for transactions and empowered individuals under repressive governments.
Role of Bitcoin in Education and Empowerment
Promoting Bitcoin education, Roya emphasized mass adoption through providing training, notably in developing nations. Bitcoin's simplicity and decentralization make it a valuable tool for the unbanked and those in authoritarian regimes. Roya advocates for education as a key to unlocking Bitcoin's potential, enabling individuals to control their finances and fostering global financial inclusivity.
Roya is an Afghan tech entrepreneur and founder of Citadel Software, a software development company based in Herat. Roya has since launched iNoura Academy, a technology company that focused on education, software services, and robotics.