Rising Stars: Meet Zahra Taheri of Herat

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zahra Taheri.

Hi Zahra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
“Some dreams begin in classrooms. Mine began in uncertainty. I am a 23-year-old Afghan woman from Herat, where continuing education as a girl is not always guaranteed—but I chose to continue anyway.”
My journey started with a simple curiosity for English during my final years of school—a curiosity that soon became my lifeline. Through the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the restrictions placed on girls’ education, I continued learning, holding onto the belief that knowledge is something no one can take away. After graduating, I successfully passed the national university entrance exam and was accepted into the Faculty of Economics. Yet, I was never allowed to step into a university classroom. That moment could have been the end of my story—but I chose to make it the beginning of a new one.

I turned my pain into purpose. I began teaching English to other girls, first in academies and later online when even working became restricted. Teaching became more than a job—it became a way to keep hope alive, not only for myself, but for the girls I teach. In 2024, I further strengthened my skills by completing a six-month ICDL program supported by UNHCR, expanding my knowledge in technology and digital learning.

After months of persistence, I earned admission with a scholarship to University of the People, where I will begin my studies in April 2026. At the same time, I am pursuing Economics through an Afghan online university, continuing the dream I was once denied.

My journey is not just about overcoming barriers—it is about redefining what is possible. I believe education is not just a path forward, but a quiet form of resistance, a way to rise even when the world asks you to stand still. And if my story can inspire even one girl to keep going, then every challenge I faced was worth it.”*

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“One of the greatest challenges in my journey has been living in a place where access to education for girls is not guaranteed. After I passed the university entrance exam and was accepted into the Faculty of Economics, I was not allowed to attend classes. That moment was emotionally devastating—it felt like years of effort had suddenly been taken away from me.

In addition to educational restrictions, I also faced limitations in my ability to work. Even when I tried to continue teaching English and contribute through education, opportunities were not always stable or fully accessible due to ongoing restrictions on women’s work.

The COVID-19 pandemic added further instability to my education, creating an environment where consistent learning was extremely difficult. Later, when restrictions became even tighter, daily life and professional opportunities for women became more limited.

Today, as part of a generation of Afghan women facing unprecedented restrictions, we also experience limitations on how we can appear and move in public spaces, which adds another layer of emotional and psychological pressure to everyday life.

Financial limitations were another obstacle. Pursuing education, especially international opportunities, required resources that were often out of reach. Despite this, I continued applying for scholarships, online programs, and any opportunity that could help me move forward.

But perhaps the hardest challenge was emotional: staying motivated when progress felt impossible. There were moments of frustration and silence, when giving up seemed easier than continuing. However, I chose to transform those struggles into strength. I kept learning, kept teaching, and kept believing that my circumstances do not define my future.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
English Language Teacher and Independent Online Educator for Girls

What are your plans for the future?
“My future is not just about personal success, but about rebuilding what has been taken away from many girls like me. I plan to complete my studies in Computer Science and Economics and use both fields to create practical solutions for education access—especially for Afghan girls who are currently excluded from classrooms. I don’t just want to earn a degree; I want to turn education into a bridge where it has been turned into a wall.”

Contact Info:

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zahra-taheri-2476b633b
• Other: [email protected]