Not recognized by a formal government by any other country, the Taliban has held control over the people of Afghanistan for the last two years. This strict militaristic group holds the people to strict rules and laws that if broken can lead to harsh punishment.  

Many of these rules pertain to women. Women are forbidden in many if not most public places. They are expected to hide their identities and be completely covered even if it doesn’t relate to their religion. Most jarring of all, women are only allowed to receive up to a 6th grade education and are forbidden from furthering it. If these rules are disobeyed, they will be met with punishment and brutality.  

Despite this, many women are taking a stand and taking a risk. Sources say that strings of secret classrooms have been popping up throughout Afghanistan where women can meet in secret to learn. 15 or more brave staff members teach these women above the 6th grade level. All identities are concealed so that if one person is discovered others cannot be identified.  

These lessons are life changing for young girls and grown women alike. They are a ray of hope in such a dismal time for the Afghan people. A hope that maybe one day they may not be under the control of this oppressive group and have opportunities to change society to benefit themselves and other women who are being oppressed.  

Examples like this should only further our appreciation for our access to education as students in the United States. We are so fortunate to have all the opportunities that we do where we can attend schools safely without risk of punishment from an overarching government; a risk that these valiant women take every day.