Pashtana Durrani is an International Scholar-in-Residence at the Wellesley Centers for Women, where she continues her mission to expand access to education and empower Afghan women and girls.
Durrani is an Afghan human rights activist, education advocate, and the founder of LEARN Afghanistan, a grassroots organization providing education and healthcare to girls through innovative offline platforms. Under her leadership, LEARN has impacted 6 million learners via radio programs, 2 million through a SIM card-based learning initiative, and 5,300 girls in person across 24 provinces of Afghanistan.
A bold and influential voice, Durrani has been featured on the BBC, CNN, and PBS, using her platform to advocate for Afghan women and girls. Her groundbreaking work has earned global recognition, including honors from the Malala Fund, BBC 100 Women, and the UN Young Activists Award.
- 6 million learners reached via radio programs (Azadi Radio)
- 2 million learners reached through SIM card-based learning (Roshan Platform)
- Educated about 10,000 boys and girls
- 15 active schools in 15 provinces
- 80+ teachers trained in digital literacy
- 700 girls trained in menstrual hygiene management
- Over 1,531 active students educated daily in underground and community-based schools
- English Academy: 89 students
- Journalism Club: 21 students
- AI Class: 9 students
- Robotics Program: 15 students
