In a powerful press conference held ahead of International Women's Day, leaders from Education Cannot Wait (ECW) highlighted the urgent need for action to support girls' education in Afghanistan. Yasmin Sharif, the executive director of ECW, emphasized the critical situation facing Afghan girls, with 1.5 million unable to attend secondary school due to ongoing restrictions.

Sharif praised the inspiring story of the Afghan girls' robotics team, showcased in the new film "Rule Breakers," co-produced by Elaha Mahboob. This film, which opens in over 1,400 cinemas, serves as a testament to the potential of Afghan girls when given the opportunity to learn and innovate. Sharif urged the international community to recognize the importance of funding education, stating, "Without education, this film would never have existed."

The conference also addressed the broader context of Afghanistan's struggles, including decades of conflict and extreme poverty. Sharif pointed out that the current governance excludes half the population from contributing to the country's rebuilding efforts. She referenced the Islamabad Declaration from January 2025, which united representatives from 44 Muslim countries to affirm that Islam supports girls' education beyond primary levels.

The call to action is clear: empowering Afghan girls through education is essential not only for their future but for the country's development as a whole. As the world observes International Women's Day, the message from ECW is one of hope and determination to create pathways for girls to thrive in Afghanistan.