In brief
Razia Jan, an Afghan-born entrepreneur who tirelessly advocated for girls' education, has died at 81. After establishing the Zabuli Education Center near Kabul in the wake of 9/11, she braved significant obstacles, including the threat posed by the Taliban, to provide educational opportunities for young girls, fulfilling her vision of a brighter future.
Razia Jan, an inspiring figure in the fight for girls' education in Afghanistan, passed away on July 20 at her home in Los Angeles at the age of 81, due to congestive heart failure, as reported by her son, Lars. Jan, an Afghan-born U.S. citizen, was an accomplished entrepreneur who owned a dry-cleaning business in Massachusetts before dedicating her life to educating young girls following the events of September 11, 2001.After the 9/11 attacks, Jan returned to her homeland, which she had left decades earlier, to raise awareness about her culture and the dire need for education for Afghan girls. Inspired by a shared mission with fellow 9/11 widows, she founded the Zabuli Education Center in 2005 in Deh’Subz, near Kabul, despite facing significant challenges from a culture that often sidelined women's education.Jan utilized her diplomatic skills, community-oriented approach, and proficiency in multiple languages to win the trust of village leaders and foster a supportive environment for her school. From its humble beginnings with 100 kindergarten students, the Zabuli Education Center grew to accommodate hundreds of girls across multiple grades, despite the societal and political turbulence that threatened their education.Her innovative methods were emblematic of her relentless spirit; she created meaningful connections by intertwining education with cultural norms, even encouraging young girls to write their fathers' names to engage fathers who themselves were illiterate. Under her guidance, the students thrived, and the school became a beacon of hope.In addition to receiving accolades for her humanitarian efforts, including recognition as one of CNN's "Heroes" in 2012, Jan remained committed to expanding educational opportunities, even after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, which forced restrictions on girls' education. Despite having to close the secondary and college programs, her resolve led to a current thriving lower school with 810 students enrolled, including many young girls.Razia Jan's legacy goes beyond mere education; it encapsulates the power of perseverance, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every girl deserves a chance to learn and thrive. She leaves behind not only a resilient educational institution but also an enduring spirit of hope in the hearts of those she inspired.
