Meet Zuhal Dawlatzai: 2023 Graduate, Paktika, Afghanistan

Zuhal Dawlatzai hails from the conservative Paktia province of Afghanistan, where traditional norms often restrict the opportunities available to women and girls. As the fifth of nine siblings, she grew up in a household that valued education, largely thanks to her parents' efforts. Her mother, one of the few female teachers in the province, was a relentless advocate for her children's future, particularly her daughters.

Zuhal found her role model in her mother, who defied gender inequality norms at every turn, starting from within their family and extending to the broader community. It was through her mother's unwavering determination that Zuhal learned the importance of resilience and the power of fighting against adversity. Her mother's efforts paved the way for Zuhal to nurture her dreams and continue her education in an environment where it was not easily accessible.

Having graduated from school in 2020, Zuhal faced a challenging turn of events with the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. The turmoil disrupted her educational journey, causing her to lose hope temporarily. However, her determination prevailed, and she stumbled upon the Eagle Online Academy, a virtual haven that offered a lifeline for her aspirations. Enrolling in their English classes, Zuhal embarked on a new path, one that she never anticipated would bring her closer to her dream of attaining a bachelor's degree.

In a stunning turn of fate, Zuhal's commitment paid off as she was selected as one of the recipients of the AUAF scholarship. Among 68 applicants from the Eagle Online Academy, she secured one of the coveted 5 scholarships. Her dream of studying law at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) suddenly became tangible. For Zuhal, the field of law was more than a career choice; it was a means to empower Afghan women who too often faced injustice within their family dynamics. She saw the potential of having more women involved in the legal system to secure justice for those who needed it most.

Zuhal's aspirations for AUAF were once a distant dream, seemingly unattainable due to financial constraints. However, her journey, fueled by determination and supported by the Eagle Online Academy, transformed her dreams into reality. As she looked ahead, she couldn't help but express her admiration for the Eagle Online Academy team, especially Husna Hashem, for guiding her through the Duolingo test preparation and beyond.

With her eyes set on the future, Zuhal Dawlatzai was more than a student with dreams; she was a beacon of hope and change. She aspired to be a force of justice for Afghan women, armed with knowledge and a resolve that grew stronger with each challenge she conquered.