Sabera Sayeed, TAIB Education Foundation

Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.

• Trailblazing Afghan changemaker
• Aspiring innovator
• Lifelong learner

What makes you get up in the morning?

My passion for the work I do and the impact I want to create.

Each day, I’m driven by the mission of the TAIB Education Foundation, knowing that my efforts are helping empower Afghan girls through education, offering them opportunities they otherwise might never have. The ability to help transform lives, challenge societal norms, and give young women the tools to shape their futures fills me with purpose.

Additionally, the drive to push my boundaries, grow personally and professionally, and continue making meaningful contributions motivates me to rise and take action each day.

What do you like most about your job?

Leading the TAIB Education Foundation; having a significant and long-term impact on the lives of Afghan girls.

In a country with limited access to education for girls, providing free classes restores hope, dignity, and opportunity. Witnessing this transformation firsthand is the most fulfilling part of my job.

Another rewarding aspect is seeing the growth and confidence in the girls we support. Many of them join the program with limited self-esteem, having been told that education is not meant for them. However, as they attend classes, their confidence begins to blossom. They start to believe in their abilities and develop aspirations they once thought were impossible. It is incredibly moving to see a young girl, who once doubted her potential, express her dream of becoming a doctor, teacher, or leader. Knowing that the TAIB Education Foundation plays a role in shaping those dreams is a source of immense pride.

I also deeply value the foundation’s role in promoting gender equality. Through education, we are not only teaching subjects like math and science but also challenging deeply rooted cultural norms that restrict girls’ potential. By giving them access to learning, we are equipping them with the tools to break free from cycles of poverty and oppression. The knowledge they gain empowers them to become independent thinkers, decision-makers, and advocates for their own rights.

If you could learn a language instantly which would you pick and why?

Arabic. With its beauty and global significance – spoken by over 350 million people – it would allow me to connect with diverse cultures and build stronger relationships. Learning Arabic would also help me expand the TAIB Education Foundation’s reach, enabling me to collaborate with Arabic-speaking organisations and support more Afghan girls.

Aside from its usefulness, I admire Arabic’s rich literary heritage, poetic beauty, and elegant script. Mastering it would allow me to delve into its art, classical texts, and philosophy while also enhancing my cultural awareness and fostering stronger cross-cultural connections.

Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?

Dr Amina Wadud. She is a globally recognised Muslim scholar and educator who has dedicated her life to promoting girls’ education and gender equality. Through her work, she has challenged traditional views and advocated for women’s rights and education, particularly in underserved communities.

Dr Wadud’s efforts have inspired countless individuals around the world to believe in the transformative power of education as a tool for social change, making her a key figure to follow in the movement for girls’ empowerment and equality. Her contributions continue to inspire change globally.

Describe a project or initiative you are currently working on that excites you.

I am currently working on expanding the TAIB Education Foundation, which I founded to provide free education to Afghan girls. With the current restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan, this project has evolved into more than just a teaching initiative; it is a mission to restore hope and provide opportunities to those who have been denied their basic right to learn.

What excites me more is the foundation’s growing reach and impact. We have successfully expanded to more than 14 cities, offering free classes in mathematics, science, and languages. These classes provide girls with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they encounter. It is extremely rewarding watching them grow on both academic and personal levels.

Additionally, I am working on introducing digital learning resources to the foundation, which will allow us to reach even more girls, especially in remote areas where in-person classes are not feasible. By leveraging technology, we aim to create a sustainable and scalable model that ensures no girl is left behind, regardless of the location.

Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?

The Impact of Globalization on Education by Dr. Tariq Ramadan.

This book explores the challenges and implications of globalization on education systems worldwide, offering insights into how globalization affects educational practices, policies, and access. Known for his work on Islamic thought and global issues, he connects these themes to the evolving educational landscape.

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