On Wednesday, July 16th, I had the honor of participating in the thesis defense and graduation ceremony of a new Doctor of Computer Science graduate.
Hasina Razma is a young Afghan woman. She made it to Turin and, with courage and determination, completed a journey that is much more than a degree: it is a declaration of freedom, resistance, and a future.
Graduating in Computer Science, for a woman, is still an achievement that breaks down stereotypes and barriers. Even more so if you come from a country like Afghanistan, where girls are currently denied even access to education.
Side note: In her graduation session, all the other students—undergraduate and graduate—were boys. This fact speaks volumes: there is still a long way to go, both here and elsewhere, to make STEM subjects, and ICT in particular, truly accessible to all.
Her story also reminds us how crucial it is to continue to speak out about Afghanistan, where women continue to be excluded from public spaces, schools, universities, jobs, and fundamental freedoms.
UN Women continues to give voice to Afghan women even when the international spotlight fades. We do the same, with UN Women Italy, particularly in our ongoing campaign against violence and for the rights of all.
For those living similar experiences, the message is not easy, but it is possible. You are not alone!
