Roya Mahboob, an Afghan-American entrepreneur and former chief technology officer at Google, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at educating Afghan girls who are currently unable to attend school under the Taliban’s rule. Her efforts come at a time when the Taliban’s strict policies have significantly limited access to education for girls in Afghanistan, particularly in urban centers and rural areas. Mahboob, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and educational access, is leveraging technology to circumvent these restrictions.
At the 2022 Doha Forum, Mahboob detailed her organization’s strategy, which includes the development of offline apps and the use of encrypted communication channels to ensure secure and uninterrupted learning. She emphasized the importance of local partnerships and community networks of women to sustain these educational efforts. The initiative also involves a global robotics team, which is working to create innovative educational tools that can be used in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban’s restrictions, Mahboob remains optimistic about the potential impact of her work. She believes that by leveraging technology and building strong, community-based networks, it is possible to provide girls in Afghanistan with access to quality education. Her efforts highlight the growing role of technology in addressing educational disparities and the importance of international collaboration in supporting such initiatives.