Malaina Kapoor, founder of Women in National Security, discusses her book 'Defiant Dreams' with Sola Mahfouz, the subject of the book, sharing inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles in Afghanistan and the pursuit of education. They highlight the challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule and the difficulties of obtaining visas for education in the US.
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Quick takeaways
Isola Mahfouz's journey showcases the determination and resilience of Afghan girls in defying Taliban rule for education
The podcast emphasizes the importance of not normalizing the erosion of women's rights in Afghanistan and the need to support girls' education and opportunities
Deep dives
The inspiring story of a young Afghan girl who risked everything for education
The podcast episode features the story of Isola Mafus, an Afghan girl who defied Taliban rule to pursue education. Isola's journey, as recounted in the book 'Defiant Dreams,' is a testament to her determination and resilience. Despite facing restrictions and obstacles, Isola secretly learned English and math, eventually crossing a dangerous border to take the SAT exam. Her story highlights the lack of access to education and the oppressive environment for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The dire situation for women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule
The episode sheds light on the challenging conditions women face in Afghanistan, especially under the current Taliban regime. With the Taliban's resurgence, women's rights have been severely curtailed. They are now banned from attending school, working, or even going to parks. The murals celebrating women's achievements have been defaced, and women have disappeared from television screens. The episode emphasizes the importance of paying attention to these stories and not normalizing the erosion of women's rights in Afghanistan.
The ongoing struggle for education and opportunities in Afghanistan
The podcast episode also highlights the ongoing struggle for education and opportunities in Afghanistan, particularly for girls and young women. While some secret schools and online education options have emerged, many girls still face immense challenges in pursuing their education. Even after educating themselves, they encounter further obstacles, such as taking exams in neighboring countries and obtaining visas for opportunities abroad. The episode highlights the determination and resilience of Afghan girls and emphasizes the need to support their quest for education and equal opportunities.
Malaina Kapoor, Founder of Women in National Security at Stanford University, discusses her book Defiant Dreams: The Journey of an Afghan Girl Who Risked Everything for Education. She is joined by the subject of her book, Sola Mahfouz. Hosts: Carol Massar and Jess Menton Producer: Paul Brennan