Feminist Majority Foundation

Afghan Women's Scholarship Program

"Because I am a woman in Afghanistan, I have no human rights to pursue my dream of becoming a medical doctor and of helping my sisters who are suffering in my country. Thanks to the Feminist Majority Foundation's Afghan Women's Scholarship Program, the dark, living nightmare has ended for me." - Fraiba Wakili, first scholarship recipient

The Feminist Majority Foundation's Afghan Women's Scholarship Program, part of our Back to School Campaign, enables young Afghan women who could not pursue their education in Afghanistan or Pakistan to study in the U.S. Organizations and individuals can recruit scholarships by contacting local colleges or universities and by using their contacts as alumnae. Join the Back to School Campaign

Help Afghan Women Pursue Higher Education

Before the Taliban took power in 1996, Afghan women had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Women in urban areas were represented in various sectors of society, including the work force. The Taliban barred women from education and work--one of the first edicts in their system of gender apartheid. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and resettlement agencies, the Afghan Women's Scholarship Program aims to provide opportunities to study in the United States.

How the Scholarship Program Works

FMF is asking U.S. colleges and universities to donate tuition and, if possible, room and board for Afghan women to study in the U.S. These scholarships are intended to help those who obtained high school education before the Taliban took control and wish to continue their education. Afghan Women's Scholarship Program candidates must be 18 years or older, have graduated high school, and have English language skills. They also must receive approval as refugees through the United Nations High Commission on Refugees, the U.S. Department of State, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

Once a young woman has obtained refugee status and admission to the United States, the Feminist Majority Foundation informs her of which colleges and universities have scholarships available and her application is given to the institutions in which she expresses interest. The college or university then makes a decision whether or not to accept the student. As refugees, these young women receive some assistance from the U.S. government and are allowed to work.