SBS educates women in Afghanistan
After the pandemic, SBS has continued to offer online distance learning. Now, a completely new group of students - women in Afghanistan - can benefit from this initiative.
Thanks to the great commitment of Professor Iñaki Rodriguez Longarela and several other colleagues, women in Afghanistan now have the opportunity to take his course Finance I online. The course is an introductory undergraduate-level course, taught in English, and is offered as a commissioned education program specifically for Afghan women.
Collaboration with SAIH
The course is provided in collaboration with the Norwegian organization SAIH, which serves as the official commissioning body for the program. SAIH (Students' and Academics' International Assistance Fund) is an organization that supports higher education as a human right. The first formal group of students enrolled in the spring of 2024 after Fredrik Nordin, the head of SBS, signed an agreement with SAIH. Five students participated that semester, with 15 more joining in the fall. The current agreement also includes education for the spring of 2025.
SAIH has an on-the-ground teaching assistant in Afghanistan who provides daily support to the Afghan students. The teaching assistant handles all necessary and practical matters such as recruiting students and arranging internet access through mobile subscriptions to enable participation in the courses.
Opportunities for women in Afghanistan
Afghanistan is the only country in the world that bans female education, which presents numerous challenges. The Taliban regime has not only prohibited higher education for women but has also restricted their ability to work. The focus of this initiative is to help Afghan students use their academic certificates from Stockholm University to apply for scholarships in neighboring countries where they can continue their studies.
Various obstacles, such as power outages and security concerns, have made it difficult for students to attend classes. For example, an attempt to hold an in-person examination at Kabul University had to be canceled due to security risks.
Despite these challenges, the project remains committed to fostering hope and creating opportunities for Afghan women. Through digital education and international collaboration, they can take a step closer to obtaining an education and building a better future.
Last updated: March 10, 2025
Source: SBS