Omulbanin Sultani, a 22-year-old from Afghanistan, now studies medicine at St Andrews University in Scotland. She fled Taliban restrictions on women’s education to chase her goal of becoming a dermatologist.
This move came through a special program by the Linda Norgrove Foundation, backed by UK and Scottish governments. The Taliban seized power in 2021 and banned women from universities in 2022, shattering many dreams.
Escape from Taliban Bans to New Hope
Omulbanin left her family and fiancé behind to join 19 other Afghan women in Scotland last year. The group arrived in Edinburgh after a three-year campaign by the foundation, set up in memory of aid worker Linda Norgrove, killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
These students had their studies cut short when the Taliban enforced strict rules. Women in Afghanistan face limited rights, including bans on higher education and many jobs.
The program lets them finish medical degrees at Scottish universities like St Andrews, Dundee, and Glasgow. It aims to train them as doctors who might return home one day.
Omulbanin recalls the night before the ban. Officials called to say universities were off-limits. She cried all night, feeling her spirit break.
Many women lost hope and focused on family roles. But Omulbanin refused to give up. She pushed her mind to find another way.
Daily Life and Studies in Scotland
At St Andrews, Omulbanin studies hard, even in summer. She works six days a week, often late into the night at the university library.
When not studying, she walks on West Sands beach or visits nearby towns. She finds Scotland welcoming and enjoys the coastal views.
She notes that people everywhere share the same emotions. Laughter and sadness feel the same, no matter the language.
Her routine includes adapting to a new culture. She learns alongside local students and builds new friendships.
Omulbanin values the freedom to learn. In Afghanistan, women struggle to see male doctors, inspiring her dermatology goal from childhood memories of her aunt’s troubles.
Challenges Faced and Inner Strength
Leaving home was tough. Omulbanin misses her family and fiancé deeply. Yet, he supports her fully and motivates her to keep going.
She sees this as a sacrifice for a brighter future. Years of separation will lead to joyful times ahead, she believes.
The Taliban rule has worsened since 2021. Recent reports show over 1 million girls denied education, per UN data from 2024.
Women face strict dress codes and travel limits. Protests have led to arrests, highlighting the risks.
Despite this, Omulbanin stays focused. She estimates 10 years to qualify as a dermatologist.
Her story echoes others in the group. Some arrived with children, adding family duties to studies.
- Key challenges for these students:
- Emotional strain from family separation
- Adjusting to a new education system and culture
- Ongoing worry about loved ones in Afghanistan
Program Impact and Broader Efforts
The Linda Norgrove Foundation has helped over 90 Afghan women with education since 2021. This group marks a big win after lobbying governments.
Scottish leaders praised the effort. It ties into global pushes for women’s rights in Afghanistan.
Other countries host similar programs. For example, some Afghan women study in the US and Europe through scholarships.
The foundation plans more support. They aim to bring additional students if funding allows.
Here’s a quick timeline of key events:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Taliban retakes Afghanistan, starts restricting women |
| 2022 | Ban on women attending universities announced |
| 2023 | Linda Norgrove Foundation campaigns for student visas |
| 2024 | 19 students arrive in Scotland to resume studies |
| 2025 | Students like Omulbanin complete first year, share stories |
This table shows the rapid changes and the program’s timely response.
Looking Ahead to a Brighter Future
Omulbanin dreams of returning to Afghanistan as a doctor. She wants to help women access care from female professionals.
Her story inspires many. It shows resilience against oppression.
Global attention on Afghanistan continues. In 2025, UN talks push for better women’s rights, though progress is slow.
Omulbanin urges others to chase dreams. She believes possibilities exist everywhere with determination.
What do you think about programs like this? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread this story to raise awareness.
