Roya Mahboob, an Afghan entrepreneur and former chief technology officer of Google Afghanistan, has launched a secret initiative to provide education to girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The program, which includes the development of offline apps, underground communication networks, and a global robotics team, aims to counter the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education and offer them continued access to learning resources.
Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar in 2022, Mahboob emphasized that her organization relies heavily on encrypted communication channels, partnerships with local women’s groups, and small community networks to deliver education discreetly. She highlighted the importance of using technology to overcome the Taliban’s restrictions, which have prevented many girls from attending schools and accessing formal education.
Mahboob’s efforts are part of a broader movement to ensure that Afghan girls, despite the challenges posed by the Taliban’s governance, can continue to learn and develop their skills. The initiative reflects her long-standing commitment to education and her belief that technology can be a transformative tool, even in the most restrictive environments.