Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A group of young women from Afghanistan, barred from university, are channelling their defiance into technology by building robots from scratch
Calling themselves 'Voices of Hope', these former computer science students are using online resources and artificial intelligence (AI) to continue their education after the Taliban banned women from higher education in December 2022.
Led by 25-year-old Asrar Parsa, the group of six meets regularly to work on their projects, turning a devastating situation into an opportunity for innovation, according to Independent.
The team has already built two robots, funding the projects themselves at a cost of about USD430 (approximately RM1,820)
One robot can recognise 20 different objects and could potentially be used in search and rescue operations.
They rely on Asrar's brother, Navid Parsa, to purchase supplies, as he is their only link to the outside world in a country where women cannot go out without a male guardian.
For members like 19-year-old Hadiya Ahmadi, the project has been a lifeline. She shared that working on the robots has helped her cope with the depression and anxiety that followed the university ban.
The group started with 20 members, but many dropped out due to economic hardship and a growing sense of hopelessness
Those who remain are determined.
They draw inspiration from the 'Afghan Dreamers', another all-female robotics team that gained international fame before its members fled the country following the Taliban takeover.
"When we're together, it feels like not everything is lost. We still have the power to learn and grow," Asrar said, explaining that their gatherings offer an escape from their grief.
The team hopes to one day showcase their creations at international exhibitions.
