“On behalf of all the girls trapped in this cage, I appeal to all of you, urging you to show your humanity and rescue us from this darkness.”
At the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), we’re thrilled to introduce our unique English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) initiative, designed specifically for Afghan women in Afghanistan. These classes are far more than just language lessons—they’re a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment during an incredibly challenging time. With women’s rights under severe attack by the Taliban, our ESOL programme is a vital lifeline, helping women access new opportunities, connect with the wider world, and revive their dreams.
The Current Crisis for Afghan Women
Since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in 2021, Afghan women have seen a dramatic rollback of their rights. Years of progress in education, careers, and public life were reversed in the blink of an eye. The Taliban’s harsh restrictions have pushed women back into the shadows, banning girls from attending secondary school and university, and stopping most women from working. The result? Many women are isolated, financially dependent, and robbed of basic freedoms.
This reality hits particularly hard for women, who range between the ages of 20 and 25, who are currently attending our ESOL classes. These young women grew up in a more open Afghanistan, dreaming of becoming doctors, teachers, and professionals. Now, under the Taliban’s rule, their futures have been abruptly snatched away. Afghanistan is currently the only country in the world where girls are systematically barred from high school and university, denying an entire generation the chance to build a better future.
Beyond education, women face other harsh restrictions enforced by the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. From dress codes to strict rules about leaving home, women’s lives are tightly controlled. Violating these rules can lead to severe punishments, making Afghanistan one of the most restrictive places for women globally.
How ESOL Classes are Bringing Hope
Before the 2021 crisis, ACAA had in-person operations in a number of provinces, concentrating on initiatives such as education and gender equality (the featured photo shows our efforts on the ground in Afghanistan).
In this oppressive environment, these in-person services cannot safely continue, but online provisions can run. These online ESOL classes are giving Afghan women a way to reclaim some control over their lives. Learning English is not just a skill—it’s a symbol of hope. It opens doors that would otherwise remain shut, allowing Afghan women to connect with the global community, access online resources, and even prepare for future educational or job opportunities. Many of these women are highly motivated and dream of passing exams like the British citizenship B1 visa level, which could open new paths for their future.
These classes offer a rare and precious space for Afghan women to express themselves freely. With cameras optional, they can let their personalities shine without fear. In this way, our classes are not just about learning a language—they’re about finding a voice and reclaiming a sense of agency.
One of our brave students shared her story. To ensure her security, we are not including her name.
Life Under the Taliban, by a young Afghan woman
“Our lives as Afghan girls and women have never been filled with happiness, security and light, either before or after the arrival of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
From the moment we were born, we have only experienced sorrow, pain and countless misfortunes, because we are girls. We are human beings, but no one sees us as such. We live in a beautiful forest, but this forest is surrounded by wild animals, that can attack us at any moment and cause us harm.
Before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, we could go anywhere outside our home, without restrictions and easily. We had goals and dreams, and we envisioned our future. However, at that time Afghanistan was still a country at war, with continued fighting between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Every morning, I would wake up with the fear that I might lose one of my relatives, or my family, or maybe I would be killed by someone.
Despite all this fear and anxiety, I still had hope for my life and my future, through education. Afghan women and girls had been able to achieve their goals and had made great progress.
Tragically, with the arrival of the Taliban and the closure of all education doors, our efforts, hopes, dreams and goals were destroyed in an instant.
Since the Taliban took control, the lives of Afghan women and girls have been devastated. For three years, I and other girls have silently endured immense hardships, bearing the weight of our problems alone because no one listens to us or upholds our rights.
I envision myself as a white dove, unjustly imprisoned in a dark cage by cruel individuals. I cling to hope that someone will one day open this cage and set me free, allowing me to resume my flight. On behalf of all the girls trapped in this cage, I appeal to all of you, urging you to show your humanity and rescue us from this darkness.
We hope one day to realise our dreams, just like other girls and women around the world. Our dreams, to improve and build our lives by studying and to make our country, that has been destroyed, better. We long for an independent, peaceful, and good life. I hope my voice reaches the entire world and that people will understand our situation and our lives.
We urge the Taliban government to respect our human rights, hear our voices and allow us to pursue our dreams and goals.”
Facing Challenges, Embracing Resilience: The Reality of Online Learning
Running this initiative comes with its own set of challenges, especially given the unreliable internet in Afghanistan. A class that starts with five students might end with just one due to connectivity issues. But the women remain incredibly resilient. Many are already quite skilled in English and are determined to make the most of every opportunity, even in such tough conditions.
Our ESOL classes are specifically tailored to fit the needs of Afghan women, offering online classes that they can attend from the safety of their homes. This setup not only keeps them protected from the dangers associated with public visibility, but also aligns with the current restrictions on their movement. Each session runs for two hours with a short break, making it intensive yet manageable.
Building a Community of Strength and Solidarity
But it’s not just about learning English. Our classes are about building a community where women support each other, share experiences, and find strength in solidarity. This network of support is invaluable, especially for those who feel isolated. By learning together, these women are not just improving their skills—they’re creating lasting bonds and a sense of belonging.
The programme, launched this year, aims to empower Afghan women to regain their independence and dignity. It offers a safe environment where they can rebuild their confidence, assert their right to learn, and imagine a future where they can once again live freely. The emotional impact is profound, helping these courageous women reclaim parts of their shattered dreams, even if only in small yet meaningful ways.
How You Can Help
The success of our ESOL classes depends on the generosity of those who believe in the power of education and the fundamental rights of women to learn and thrive. We urgently need funding to expand the programme, offering more hours and more sessions each week to reach even more women. Whether through donations or by volunteering as a tutor, your support can help Afghan women gain essential skills, reclaim a sense of independence, and prepare for brighter days ahead.
ACAA stands firmly with Afghan women, providing them with the tools to stay connected, informed, and hopeful. These ESOL classes are just one step toward reclaiming their voices, their rights, and their futures. By contributing to this cause, you are lighting the way for women living under one of the most oppressive regimes in the world.
By Jemima Hodgkinson