Sola Mahfouz: From Self-Education to Advocating for Afghan Women

Sola Mahfouz’s story is a remarkable testament to resilience and determination. Forced to stop her education in 2007 at age 11 due to threats from extremists in Afghanistan, Mahfouz faced severe restrictions. Her education was halted, and she was confined to domestic chores, while her brothers continued their studies.

Despite these obstacles, Mahfouz was resolute in her quest for knowledge. She secretly taught herself English and math using online resources. Her hard work and dedication eventually led her to Arizona State University and later to a career as a quantum computer researcher at Tufts University.

The situation for Afghan girls has worsened since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Over one million girls are now barred from attending school, making Afghanistan the only country where girls are denied secondary and higher education. Human rights experts like Fereshta Abbasi emphasize the severe restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan, including the lack of freedom of movement and bans on public protests.

Mahfouz’s memoir, Defiant Dreams, co-written with Malaina Kapoor from Stanford University, details her journey from a restricted childhood to achieving her dreams. The book highlights Mahfouz’s fierce determination to escape her confined life and pursue education.

Now, Mahfouz and Kapoor are working with Khan Academy to create digital resources for Afghan women. Their goal is to develop an online platform where women can learn, share stories, and support each other, addressing the unique challenges of Afghan culture.

Mahfouz’s efforts also include teaching her younger relatives in Afghanistan, helping them with English, and providing educational resources. Her work seeks to bring global attention to the struggles of Afghan women and improve their opportunities for education and empowerment.

Sushmita Chowdhary, Staff Reporter.