Striving for forbidden education: narratives from recently arrived Afghan refugee women in regional Australia

Afghan women’s right to education has been denied for decades. Despite some progress in the past two decades, education for women and girls has been restricted following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with secondary schools and universities being shut down. While many Afghan women resettled in Western countries, little is known about the nuances of their lives pre- and post-resettlement. This qualitative study investigates how the lived experiences and challenges of Afghan refugee women shape their post-resettlement journeys in regional Australia. Based on empirical data from a larger study, this paper draws on interviews with eight Afghan refugee women, including two former educators. The findings highlight how these women navigated patriarchal structures and demonstrated resilience in pursuing education despite the persistent obstacles. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the educational challenges faced by Afghan refugee women and offers important implications for practice, policy, and research aimed at supporting their unique needs in Australia and similar resettlement contexts.