NGO funds 19 Afghan female medical students’ studies in Scotland

GLASGOW: After the Taliban banned women from universities in Afghanistan, Zahra Hussaini, feared her dream of becoming a doctor was over, but she is now continuing her medical degree in Britain at the age of 20, along with 18 other female medical students from her country.
“Coming to Scotland has changed everything. It has given me hope for a brighter future,” she told AFP in Glasgow, where she arrived last month to resume her studies. “Now, I can become a doctor, gain financial independence, and support my family and community.”
Hussaini is one of 19 female medical students from Afghanistan who arrived in Scotland on 21st August, following a three-year campaign led by the Linda Norgrove Foundation. 
The foundation was established by parents of Linda Norgrove, a 36-year-old Scottish aid worker who was kidnapped in Afghanistan and tragically killed during a failed US special forces rescue mission in 2010. 
Since the Taliban’s ban on women’s university education in December 2022, many students like Hussaini have been confined to their homes. The Taliban, which regained power in August 2021, has enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law, described by the United Nations as "gender apartheid."
Fariba Asifi, a 25-year-old medical student now studying at the University of Glasgow, shared her relief: “They wouldn’t allow me to specialise in Afghanistan. Now, I feel incredibly fortunate to be here and continue my education. I’m filled with excitement and happiness.”
These students were able to come to Scotland after the devolved Scottish government amended funding laws, allowing them to be treated as Scottish students and qualify for free tuition. Some are also studying at St Andrews, Dundee, and Aberdeen universities.
The Linda Norgrove Foundation overcame numerous hurdles to bring the women to Scotland, including organising travel to Pakistan for UK visa applications, arranging English language tests, and facilitating university interviews via Skype. The foundation has spent £60,000 ($79,000) on this initiative.
“Finally, these 19 incredibly talented young women have a chance for a great education and a promising career. The alternative for them in Afghanistan was bleak,” said John Norgrove, Linda’s father.
Asifi remains hopeful for Afghanistan’s future: “This situation isn’t permanent; it’s temporary. One day, I believe we will witness a bright Afghanistan where all girls and women can pursue education and work. We should stay optimistic; a brighter future is on the horizon.”