Afghan women in Oman receive scholarship funding extension

More than 80 Afghan women studying in Oman have received a temporary reprieve from forced return to Afghanistan. They were at risk of deportation after US foreign aid funding was cut under the Trump administration. These women had fled the Taliban's oppressive regime, which bans women from universities and severely restricts their rights. The US State Department announced that funding will continue until June 30, 2025. A student expressed relief but also concern about their future, highlighting that without renewed scholarships, they may have to return to a dangerous situation in Afghanistan. Many of these women were pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics under a USAID program established in 2018. In late February, the students learned their scholarships were ending. This news caused distress among them, as they feared returning to a country where they could not continue their studies and where their safety would be at risk. The Taliban, which regained control of Afghanistan nearly four years ago, has faced criticism for its harsh treatment of women and has cracked down on protests for women's rights. The Taliban claims to be working on resolving women's education issues but continues to impose strict rules that align with its interpretation of Islamic law. Activists face threats and violence under this regime. Many of the scholarship recipients are in their 20s and had qualified for assistance before the Taliban's seizure of power. Last September, the women fled to Pakistan and then were granted visas to Oman with help from USAID.