“Lack of education wasn't a byproduct of poverty; it was a weapon. Denying it was deliberate and served a political purpose. It was meant to keep the girls silent, compliant, and disconnected from the world. It denied them a voice.”
-PASHTANA DURRANI
“Pashtana’s voice is once-in-a-generation. A born leader who took her own dreams and broke them into a thousand pieces to share with others. Her story is an inspiration. Her work, a mission—more necessary now than ever. Pashtana Durrani came to live out loud. And we should all be listening.”
Amna Nawaz / Anchor PBS News Hour
let’s MEET PASHTANA
Pashtana Durrani, an Afghan feminist, activist, and educator. At 21, she became her family's leader, and founded LEARN Afghanistan, the country's first digital school network. Despite forced exile due to the Taliban takeover, she persistently provides education for hundreds of girls in Afghanistan. Known for her boldness, Durrani is a TV and radio commentator and her story has been featured by PBS, BBC, and more. A visiting fellow at Wellesley Centers for Women, she researches female education and maternal health. Durrani's impact garnered global recognition, earning her titles such as Global Education Champion by the Malala Fund, and being named one of BBC's 100 most influential women. Her biography, 'Last to Eat, Last to Learn,' is set to be published in 2022 (Germany) and 2023 (USA, Italy), celebrating her trailblazing journey
GET CRYSTAL CLEAR, ACTIONABLE STEPS to SET GOALS and ACTUALLY ACHIEVE THEM.
After an hour with Pashtana, your audience will have the tools they need to:
Drawing from her experiences in Afghanistan, Pashtana emphasizes the importance of education as a tool to dismantle systemic barriers and elevate communities. Pashtana’s presentation resonates with audiences, encouraging them to support education initiatives and be advocates for educational equity.
Pashtana’s captivating storytelling showcases how education can foster a sense of purpose and passion that transcends job titles or roles. By embracing education as a lifelong journey, individuals can find fulfillment in their professional lives and make a positive impact on their communities. .
Pashtana shares stories of women who have defied societal norms to pursue education and leadership roles. She highlights the importance of education in challenging gender stereotypes and empowering women to become agents of change in their communities.
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“Pashtana’s story highlights the resourcefulness and bravery of young women in Afghanistan. I hope readers will be inspired by her mission to give every girl the education she deserves and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.”
Malala Yousufuzai, Female education activist and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate
PASHTANA in ACTION
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PASHTANA’s KEYNOTE TOPICS
Unleashing the Power of Education: Empowering Minds, Transforming Communities
In this powerful keynote, Pashtana shares her journey of turning frustration into inspiration through the transformative power of education. Audiences will learn how education can empower minds, break barriers, and transform communities. Pashtana’s compelling stories of impact will inspire individuals and organizations to invest in education as a catalyst for positive change, unlocking untapped potential and creating a brighter future for all.
Meaningful Work: Empowering Individuals through Education and Purpose
In this inspiring keynote, Pashtana highlights the transformative impact of education on individual’s lives and its potential to provide purpose and fulfillment in their professional careers. She guides audiences on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to identify their passions and find meaning in their work. Pashtana draws parallels between her experiences and the struggles individuals face in their pursuit of meaningful work.
That’s What She Said: Empowering Women through Education and Leadership
In this empowering keynote, Pashtana addresses the pivotal role of education in empowering women and transforming societies. She shares inspiring stories of women whose lives have been changed through education, demonstrating the power of education in breaking barriers and promoting gender equality. Pashtana empowers women to find their voice, embrace leadership, and create positive change through education, inspiring them to be catalysts for transformative growth in their communities.
