Q&A with Afsana Ahmadi Shirinsukhan

1.⁠ ⁠⁠Can you share your journey from joining the Afghan Robotics team to now studying at George Mason University ?

My journey began in 2022 with the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, an opportunity that revealed to my teammates and me the power of education and innovation in a challenging environment. This experience was a catalyst, pushing me to strive for more and to look beyond the immediate circumstances in Afghanistan. The exposure I gained as part of that team paved the way for further educational opportunities, including my studies in Doha at ABP and now at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. Each step of this journey has been driven by a commitment to using my education not only to better myself but also to uplift those who face similar challenges in Afghanistan. My time with the Robotics Team taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of fighting for a cause greater than oneself—lessons I carry with me every day as a student of Government and International Politics at GMU.

2. Given the current challenges facing women and girls in education in Afghanistan, how do you think your experiences and education in Doha can contribute to supporting their educational rights and opportunities?

The situation for women and girls in Afghanistan is far more dire than the word “challenging” can convey, and it’s a reality I cannot ignore. My education in Doha and here at Mason has not been just about academics; it has been about understanding the complexities of global diplomacy, the power of strategic alliances, and the importance of raising our voices on the right platforms. In 2022, I learned that to make a difference, you need more than just passion; you need strategy, connections, and the ability to navigate complex international arenas. I intend to leverage this knowledge to advocate for Afghan women and girls, ensuring their educational rights are recognized and protected on the global stage. By engaging with international organizations, policymakers, and educational institutions, I aim to help create pathways for Afghan girls to access the education they so desperately need and deserve.

3.⁠ ⁠How has being a member of the Afghan Robotics team influenced your academic interests and future career aspirations, especially in the context of advocating for women’s education in Afghanistan?

My time with the Afghan Robotics Team has been a defining chapter in my life. It ignited a passion for education and innovation that continues to influence my academic and career choices. Robotics taught me more than just technical skills; it showed me the power of education to transform lives, particularly in settings where such opportunities are scarce. This experience has shaped my aspirations, steering me toward a career focused on politics, advocacy and policy, particularly in the realm of women’s education in Afghanistan. I am committed to using my platform to fight for educational opportunities for my sisters, Afghan girls, ensuring that they do have access to education and get what they deserve as they have been unfortunately deprived of it for three years since August 2021.

4.⁠What challenges have you faced while studying in Doha, and what strategies have you used to overcome them?

Studying in Doha presented its own unique challenges: adapting to a new culture (even though it was somewhat similar to ours in Afghanistan as a Muslim country), being away from family, and the simultaneous stress and excitement of representing Afghanistan on an international platform by participating in international competitions such as First Global, United Nations conferences, and other collaborative projects with renowned American universities like Cornell University. In the U.S., the challenges have shifted; they are no less significant but are indeed different, with many new things to learn. Balancing rigorous academic demands, jobs, and internships with the emotional weight of what’s happening in Afghanistan has been difficult. To overcome these challenges, I’ve relied on a strong support network, both personally and professionally. Staying connected to my roots and my purpose has kept me focused, while strategic planning and self-discipline have helped me manage the pressures of academic life in a foreign country.

5.⁠ ⁠How do you plan to use the knowledge and skills you are gaining in Doha to support and advance the Afghan Robotics team and advocate for the educational rights of women and girls in Afghanistan?

The knowledge and skills I’ve acquired through my education in Doha and now in the U.S. are integral to my future plans. My time in Doha taught me the importance of teamwork, strategic communication, and hard work—tools that are essential for advocating for change on a global scale. In the U.S., I am building on this foundation by gaining a deeper understanding of policy-making and advocacy. My goal is to use this expertise to support my team, the Afghan Robotics Team, ensuring that it remains not only a beacon of hope and progress in Afghanistan but also a source of inspiration for all the hardworking girls who dream of education, particularly in STEM, but lack the resources to study. Beyond that, I am committed to advocating for the educational rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, using every platform available to push for meaningful change. Whether through policy advocacy, securing funding, or building international alliances with organizations genuinely willing to help Afghan girls, I am determined to contribute to a future where Afghan girls can access the education they rightfully deserve.