Exploring Afghan girls' access and adaptation to online higher education

Abstract

Access to education remains one of the most critical challenges in Afghanistan. After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, schools and universities were closed to Afghan girls until further notice, which deprived them of their fundamental right which is education. In response, many girls sought online scholarships and educational programs as an alternative to continuing their higher education online. This study aims to investigate Afghan girls' perceptions of access and adaptation to online higher education and strategies to address the challenges they face in the synchronous online education of two universities. The study used qualitative research methods, employing focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews to explore Afghan girls’ experiences with online learning. The primary findings highlight several key barriers, including unreliable internet connectivity, technical issues, and financial constraints, all of which hinder their ability to attend online classes. Additionally, a lack of family support and limited awareness of online educational opportunities, especially in remote areas, significantly affect girls' access to online higher education. Overall, the study reveals how Afghan girls have found strategies and solutions to overcome these obstacles. Fully funded online scholarships and educational courses provided by two universities and organizations have played a crucial role in enabling them to pursue their higher education online. Addressing these challenges and increasing awareness of online learning opportunities can further support Afghan girls in obtaining quality education despite existing limitations.