Afghan Women Scholars in Oman Granted Funding Extension
In a significant development, over 80 Afghan women studying in Oman on U.S.-funded scholarships have received a temporary reprieve from the termination of their funding. Initially set to end last month due to sweeping cuts by the Trump administration, the U.S. State Department has announced that financial support will continue until June 30, 2025. This decision comes as a relief to the students, who fled Taliban rule in Afghanistan to pursue their education abroad.
Background of the Scholarships
The Afghan women in Oman are part of the Womenโs Scholarship Endowment (WSE), a program initiated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2018. This initiative aims to support women in pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Many of these students qualified for scholarships in 2021, just before the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. They continued their studies at Afghan universities until December 2022, when the Taliban imposed a ban on higher education for women.
After enduring 18 months of uncertainty, the women fled to Pakistan in September 2023. USAID facilitated their visas to Oman, where they arrived between October and November of the same year. The abrupt announcement on February 28, 2024, that their scholarships would be terminated within two weeks left them in shock and fear of being sent back to Afghanistan, where their safety and educational opportunities would be severely compromised.
Concerns for the Future
While the funding extension has brought temporary relief, the students remain anxious about their long-term prospects. One student, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals, expressed gratitude for the reprieve but emphasized the need for a permanent solution. “We are relieved now, but we are still deeply concerned about our future,” she stated. The looming threat of returning to a country where women face severe restrictions on education and personal freedoms weighs heavily on their minds.
The Taliban government has claimed to be working on resolving issues related to women’s education, yet it continues to enforce strict policies that restrict women’s rights. Reports indicate that women protesting for their right to education have faced violence and intimidation. Many Afghan women describe their existence under the current regime as akin to being “dead bodies moving around,” highlighting the oppressive environment they endure.
Ongoing Efforts and International Response
In light of the funding cuts, WSE staff members have been actively seeking alternative funding sources to ensure the students can continue their education. They have described the situation as “dangerous and devastating,” warning that the students could face persecution and forced marriages if returned to Afghanistan. The U.S. government has not yet provided clarity on when a final decision regarding the scholarships will be made, leaving the students in a state of uncertainty. The government of Oman has also been contacted for information on whether it is exploring alternative funding options for the Afghan scholars. As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the plight of these women, who are striving for education and safety in a challenging environment.
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