Roya Mahboob, a renowned entrepreneur and advocate for women’s education, is spearheading efforts to provide educational opportunities for Afghan girls amid the challenges posed by Taliban rule. Given the restrictions on girls’ access to formal schooling, Mahboob has turned to innovative solutions, including the development of offline applications and underground networks to ensure continued learning.
During her speech at the Doha Forum in Qatar in 2022, Mahboob underscored the importance of leveraging encrypted communication channels and partnerships with local communities to sustain educational initiatives. She mentioned the critical role of women-led networks in supporting these efforts, emphasizing the need for secure and discreet methods to circumvent the Taliban’s restrictions on education for girls.
Her global robotics team is another key component of her strategy, aiming to incorporate technology into the educational framework and provide access to high-quality learning materials. The initiative reflects a broader movement to empower Afghan girls through technology and community collaboration, even in the face of political and security challenges.