Fereshteh Forough: Inspiring Hope and Empowering Afghan Girls Through Technology

Amid challenges and obstacles, a generation of creative and determined women has emerged in Afghanistan, proving that no limitation can stop willpower and talent. Fereshteh Forough is one of the most prominent of these figures — a woman whose knowledge, creativity, and forward-looking vision opened a new and inspiring path for Afghan girls. She demonstrated that technology and education can be powerful tools to empower women, and that every girl can play an active role in society and shape her country’s future through learning digital skills and programming. By providing real opportunities for education, financial independence, and self-confidence, Fereshteh Forough illuminated a path of hope and paved the way for development, innovation, and active participation of women in scientific and technological fields. This path proves that even in difficult circumstances, hope, courage, and knowledge can build a bright and promising future.

Education and Early Life of Fereshteh Forough

Fereshteh Forough was born in the 1360 Afghan Solar Hijri year (1985 CE) into an Afghan family. Her childhood was marked by migration and living under difficult conditions in Iran, where many Afghan refugees were denied the right to education and employment. Despite these challenges, she was passionate about learning, reading, and personal growth from an early age. Obstacles could not extinguish her thirst for knowledge.

After returning to Afghanistan with her family, Fereshteh entered Herat University and pursued a degree in Computer Science. Her strong grasp of mathematics and her interest in technology prepared her for the digital world. After completing her studies in Afghanistan, she earned her Master’s degree from Technische Universität Berlin (Technical University of Berlin).

Instead of choosing easier paths abroad, she decided to return to Afghanistan to share her knowledge with young girls. She understood that Afghan women faced numerous barriers to entering the technology field, from cultural pressures to limited educational opportunities.

Code to Inspire: Empowering Afghan Girls Through Programming

In 2015, Fereshteh Forough founded Code to Inspire in Herat — the first programming school dedicated exclusively to girls in Afghanistan. The institute was established to teach digital skills such as programming, web design, application development, and cybersecurity. Its mission was not only to provide girls with tools to access jobs and financial independence but also to challenge societal perceptions of women’s roles.

In a society where girls’ education had long been restricted, Code to Inspire offered them the courage to break traditional barriers and enter what was once considered a male-dominated field. The school enabled Afghan girls to develop critical thinking and creativity in a digital environment. Each student begins with a simple computer but progresses to a world of opportunities and innovation. They learn to turn ideas into reality by writing code, designing websites and applications, and protecting projects with cybersecurity skills.

However, the impact of Code to Inspire goes beyond technical education. The institute created a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment that boosted girls’ confidence and helped them recognize that:

“A woman’s place is not only at home; she belongs in offices, tech teams, international projects, and at the forefront of national progress.”

Through its programs, many graduates have not only achieved financial independence but have become role models for future generations. Girls who once lived in silence and fear now write code, design, innovate, and build a brighter future for Afghanistan.

The institute demonstrated that technology can be the most powerful weapon against inequality. Each young programmer emerges not only to secure her own career but also to change society’s perception of women, advocate for the right to education, and contribute to a more prosperous nation.

Fereshteh Forough believed that if Afghan girls had access to modern education, they could shape their destiny. She aimed to create a safe space where girls could learn programming, graphic design, app development, and cybersecurity without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Many graduates now work remotely for international companies, earning an independent income for themselves and their families — a remarkable achievement in a country where women are often barred from public participation.

Advocating for Women’s Education and Participation

Fereshteh Forough strongly believes that education and technology are the most powerful tools against ignorance and discrimination. She has repeatedly said:

“If we want a prosperous society, we must give women the opportunity to learn, create, and lead.”

After the Taliban regained control in Afghanistan, many girls’ schools and educational centers were closed. However, Fereshteh Forough did not give up. She launched online and remote learning programs to ensure that the light of education remained on for her students. This action demonstrates her conviction that knowledge cannot be imprisoned, even when physical barriers exist between teacher and student.

Global Recognition and Achievements

Fereshteh Forough’s efforts have gained international recognition. She has spoken at conferences and global forums such as TED Talks, the United Nations, and various women in technology events.

She has received numerous awards and recognitions from reputable organizations and media outlets, including being listed among the 100 Most Influential Women by the BBC and featured in Forbes and TIME. Yet, she considers her greatest reward to be “seeing the smiles and progress of my students.”

Philosophy and Message

Fereshteh Forough believes that education not only opens doors to the future but also fosters dignity and self-confidence. She has inspired thousands of Afghan girls who once thought their place was only at home to now write code in global companies and turn their dreams into reality.

She says:

“When you give an Afghan girl an opportunity, she doesn’t just change her own life; she changes the future of her community.”

Fereshteh Forough stands as a shining example of a woman who, through knowledge, determination, and love for her country, has redefined the meaning of empowerment. She proved that change begins with education and that technology can be a ladder toward freedom, independence, and progress. Today, she is not only a tech educator but a symbol of hope for a new generation of Afghan women — a generation that, with faith, knowledge, and courage, is building a brighter future for Afghanistan.