Nazanin Wali, an Afghan researcher, has received a merit award from Rome Business School to pursue further studies in artificial intelligence.
Wali has dedicated this academic achievement to the women and girls of Afghanistan.
She previously received a full scholarship from the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. With that opportunity, she pursued studies in psychology at the American University of Central Asia and Bard College, and received an honorary diploma.
Wali has stressed the importance of women’s and girls’ access to education in Afghanistan, saying that education is a fundamental right.
She believes Afghan women have great ability and talent despite facing discrimination and numerous obstacles, and that with equal opportunities they can make significant achievements in science and technology.
Wali’s achievement comes as the de facto authorities have barred women and girls from education and higher studies since taking control of Afghanistan. In their latest restriction, they closed medical institutes to women and girls, even as the country’s health sector faces a shortage of staff.
The authorities’ actions have kept millions of school-age girls from pursuing their education.
Women have also been barred from going to gyms, restaurants, and public bathhouses; being examined by male doctors; travelling without a male guardian; and working for domestic and international NGOs, as well as UN offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if the ban continues, nearly four million girls could be deprived of education by 2030.
