Afghan Girls Robotics Team
In March 2020, Naza visited women and children in Afghanistan with UNICEF, to hear their stories and learn first-hand of their resilience.
The people of this country have been subjected to four decades of conflict, and it’s now estimated by the UN that up to 97% of the country is at risk of sinking into poverty. The ongoing situation deeply exacerbates gender-based violence, and heightens barriers for women and girls in accessing basic education, opportunities and services. Today, it is particularly challenging for Afghan girls to achieve their dreams and aspirations. They face discrimination, economic hardships, exposure to conflict, displacement, trauma, and a lack of support.
Naza had the great privilege of meeting the Afghan girls' robotic team in Herat, who took her through an incredible display of science and technology, and had even developed a ventilator made from old car parts. The Girls Robotics Team also acted as a ‘virtual safe space’ for adolescent girls to access GBV, self care and mental health information safely. Naza is still supporting the team, alongside UNICEF and the Digital Citizen Fund in exploring innovative ways to provide affordable and accessible STEM education to adolescent girls.
