As women and girls in Afghanistan face increasingly severe restrictions on education and employment, Mohaddeseh Mirzaei, one of the first female pilots in Afghanistan, has achieved one of the highest positions in the aviation profession in Bulgaria.
After migrating to Europe and overcoming numerous challenges, she recently reached the rank of captain of passenger aircraft and now wears four captain stripes on her shoulders.
In an interview with the media, Mohaddeseh Mirzaei spoke about her difficult journey back to the cockpit, the realization of her dream of becoming a captain, and the goals she continues to set for herself in the field of aviation.
She emphasized, “I want to strive harder and harder to be an exemplary captain, and I even want to become an instructor in piloting. This is a great responsibility for me.”
It is noteworthy that Mohaddeseh Mirzaei, the first female pilot of commercial flights in Afghanistan, sought refuge in Bulgaria after the Taliban regained control. She is now continuing her flights in Europe.
Mohaddeseh was the first female pilot from Afghanistan to fly passengers on a Boeing 737 to various cities in Afghanistan and countries such as Turkey, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and India.
She received her pilot training in Canada and completed her first flight in Afghanistan at the age of 21 on August 20, 2020.
She achieves her four captain stripes at a time when the current government has deprived women and girls of education and training after taking control of Afghanistan. In its latest restriction, it has closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, while the health sector across Afghanistan faces a shortage of personnel.
This government’s actions have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being denied education.
Moreover, women have been banned from going to sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, working in local and international NGOs, and even at United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.
