AUW stands as the world’s largest host of Afghan women pursuing higher education. At a time when Afghan women face severe barriers to education in their homeland, AUW has become a beacon of hope, providing a lifeline to 1,000 Afghan students. These young women are transforming their lives at AUW, shattering barriers, and setting new benchmarks for leadership on the global stage.

AUW’s impact extends beyond its campus. Afghan students and graduates are becoming catalysts for change, teaching online classes to young girls in Afghanistan, training 1,200 school teachers in the Rohingya refugee camps, and establishing “Freedom Schools” in Hazaratown, Quetta, Pakistan, schools that empower Afghan students living as undocumented migrants, helping them prepare to join AUW and pursue a brighter future. Currently, three AUW Afghan graduates are pursuing PhD programs in the US.

One may ask if Afghanistan remains “closed” to women, what would be the point of these efforts.  AUW views its commitment to the education of Afghan women as realizing a human right as well more instrumentally building a “brain bank” for a future Afghanistan where current denial of equality must end. Without a critical mass of educated women ready to lead, the prospects for a more equitable Afghanistan will remain dim.

These achievements have been made possible through partnerships; governments, private foundations, and individuals have joined forces to sustain this mission. The unique context of AUW—an all-women’s institution in a Muslim-majority Bangladesh—has further bolstered the defensibility and acceptance of this effort. Among the governmental contributors, the United States has been the single largest supporter, alongside Canada and Germany.

However, on January 24, 2025, just 11 days after the U.S. State Department honored AUW for its contributions to Afghan women, we received devastating news: all U.S. government funding designated for Afghan women at AUW has been suspended with immediate effect.

This decision threatens the future of hundreds of young women whose lives have already been transformed—and the ripple effects of hope and opportunity they are creating in their communities. But we will not abandon them.

We cannot and will not send these students back to an uncertain and oppressive future. Nor will we dismantle the systems of support—dormitories, classrooms, and dedicated faculty—that have enabled these women to thrive. We must act now.

To sustain these programs and welcome the 330 Afghan students currently in the pipeline, we urgently need an infusion of USD $7 million.

This funding will bridge the gap, keeping our programs operational while we secure longer-term solutions. Your support at this critical moment will ensure that the light of education continues to shine for Afghan women, providing hope for a future where their voices and contributions can shape a better world.

Since the fall of Kabul and the mass evacuation in 2021, AUW has worked tirelessly with partners on the ground to recruit Afghan women and arrange safe transportation to campus. These efforts are supported by a strong network of academics, institutions, and community leaders, coordinated by a dedicated core team. Together, they have mobilized local networks across 39 public and 140 private universities to reach talented applicants, especially from remote and underrepresented regions.

Thanks to this extensive outreach, AUW has received over 25,000 applications, showcasing the high demand for women’s education. Recognizing the disruptions to secondary education, AUW has adapted its admissions process to prioritize potential over traditional academic records. Applicants are assessed through interviews, essays, and extracurricular achievements, ensuring they receive the tailored support needed to succeed. To further strengthen community bonds, AUW also gives preferential consideration to family members of current students.

Life at AUW offers Afghan students far more than an education—it is a vibrant and enriching experience that nurtures their talents, passions, and sense of community. For many, adjusting to life away from home can be challenging, but AUW’s supportive environment and diverse activities help them find confidence and support.Cultural festivals like Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a particularly special occasion for the Afghan community, offering a space to celebrate their heritage, strengthen friendships, and create a sense of belonging. These traditions help ease homesickness, reminding students that they are part of a global family.

Afghan students are also deeply involved in shaping campus life through leadership, sports, and student organizations. The Afghan Students Association (ASA), representing over 500 students, provides a strong support system, offering peer support, organizing cultural events, and fostering a close-knit community. Many Afghan students have also made their mark in athletics, winning medals in international taekwondo and karate championships and excelling in volleyball, basketball, football, and badminton at AUW’s sports events.

By stepping forward with support, governments, institutions, and individuals can safeguard this vital lifeline for education and leadership development. Together, we can ensure that Afghan women continue to break barriers, foster hope, and contribute to a future where equality, opportunity, and justice prevail.

The time to act is now.