How did you come to Geneva and what drew you to study at the Geneva Graduate Institute? 

I was the first vocal opponent of the Taliban’s decree banning education for girls. My advocacy for girls’ education ultimately forced me to leave Afghanistan and seek refuge in Switzerland. I was a disappointed refugee and attended a conference on July 1st, 2022, on Women, Peace, and the Future of Democracy in Afghanistan in the Graduate Institute. The Institute’s reputation, along with its highly esteemed and humble professors, as well as its diversity, drew me to study here.
 

Over the past couple of years, you’ve interviewed many Afghan refugees about their experiences — can you tell us about the project? 

When I began studying at the Geneva Graduate Institute, I launched a project documenting Afghan migrants’ struggle in Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey after the August 15, 2021, regime change. Collaborating with journalists for interviews in Pakistan and Iran, I personally visited Turkey to witness the migrants' plight.

In Turkey, I met undocumented Afghans living in constant fear and exploitation. One woman endured severe tooth pain, avoiding medical care due to the threat of deportation. Many workers faced wage theft, unable to protest without risking exposure.

I was deeply moved by Afghan women activists who fled the Taliban but remained stranded in Pakistan without meaningful support. Their resilience, despite dire circumstances, inspired me to amplify their voices internationally, particularly in Geneva, to advocate for urgent action.
 

You have an organisation to help students in Afghanistan. Can you tell us about it and your hopes for its future? 

I founded a charity school in Afghanistan in 2019 to inspire hope for the younger generation. It has since educated over 1,000 students, emphasising personal growth and social awareness. I aim to establish a pedagogy centre in Afghanistan to train teachers and partner with a Geneva-based school to exchange resources and connect Afghan students to global curricula. With the Taliban's return, Afghanistan faces educational challenges, including religious schools promoting distorted ideologies. Developing inclusive curricula is essential to counter these narratives and offer students pathways to dignity and progress. Through education, we strive to combat extremism and build a brighter future.
 

Finally, what are you studying at the Geneva Graduate Institute?

I am pursuing a master’s degree in the MINT programme, specialising in Conflict, Peace, and Security. I am deeply thankful for the Geneva Graduate Institute for fostering an exceptional environment for exploration and growth.

My studies have equipped me with valuable skills that I aim to apply to promoting peace and social cohesion, particularly by integrating these principles into educational curricula. The Institute serves as a hub for intellectual growth, where students expand their knowledge and prepare for meaningful success in their future endeavours.