An online programme launched by designer and activist Touraj Saberivand has taught design skills to over 1,000 young Afghan women. In this interview, he describes the challenges facing the course and its students.
Saberivand launched the Vand Design Academy after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 and outlawed education for girls after the age of 11.
Offering short courses in graphic design, web design and brand strategy, the programme aims to equip Afghan women and girls with the basic skills needed to become professional designers.
Classes take place online, with each course consisting of eight to 10 sessions.
"We designed a practical course to allow Afghan girls to be able to work as soon as possible," Saberivand told Dezeen. "It meant that, after one year, some of them started to get project commissions," he said.
"Against the government, against political issues, against cultural boundaries, it gave them hope that they could continue their lives, that it wasn't the end for them."
Designer and activist Touraj Saberivand founded the Vand Design Academy
Home-based self-employment has become the primary source of income for women in Afghanistan, as the Taliban government has severely restricted their ability to work and travel.
Women are now banned from appearing in public alone and cannot travel further than 72km without a male chaperone related by blood or marriage.
The International Labour Organization estimates that 25...