Shabana Basij-Rasikh

Co-Founder & President at School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA)

Shabana Basij-Rasikh is an Afghan educator, humanitarian, and women's rights champion who co-founded and serves as president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA). Born and raised in Kabul, she has dedicated her life to promoting girls' education in Afghanistan.

Early Life and Education

Shabana grew up under Taliban rule, where girls' education was forbidden. She attended secret schools, often disguised as a boy to accompany her sister.3 After the Taliban's fall in 2002, she was able to attend public school openly. She later participated in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program in the United States.3

Shabana graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College in 2011 with a degree in International Studies and Women & Gender Studies.5 7 She later earned a Master of Public Policy from Oxford University.2

Founding SOLA

While still in college, Shabana co-founded the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA) in 2008.7 SOLA became Afghanistan's first and only all-girls boarding school, providing education to girls aged 11-19 from diverse ethnic backgrounds.3 4

Achievements and Recognition

Shabana has received numerous accolades for her work:

Named one of Glamour Magazine's Top Ten College Women in 20103 7
Selected as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 20147
Awarded the Malalai Medal, one of Afghanistan's highest honors, in 20185 7
Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 20195
Received honorary doctorates from SOAS University of London and Cedar Crest College5 7

Recent Developments

In August 2021, following the Taliban's return to power, Shabana led the evacuation of SOLA's entire school community to Rwanda, where they have reestablished operations.2 4 She continues to advocate for girls' education and serves as a contributing columnist for The Washington Post.5

Shabana Basij-Rasikh's unwavering commitment to educating Afghan girls, even in the face of significant challenges, has made her a prominent figure in the fight for women's rights and education in Afghanistan.1 6