Asian University for Women

A few months into Drolma's experience in the workforce, a development unfolded. The principal of Drolma’s high school received documents from Kabul announcing a scholarship opportunity at the Asian University for Women (AUW), an independent merit-based university in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The principal promptly forwarded the documents to her father, recognizing Drolma's family as educated and supportive of her education. 

 

“Unfortunately, I was not able to fill in those forms because my English was not that good. My father took the forms, and then we went to Kabul,” Drolma said. 

 

In Kabul, Drolma visited the BRAC institution, where they assisted her in completing the scholarship forms and provided support during the interview process for AUW.

 

After getting accepted into AUW, Drolma moved to Bangladesh and dedicated two years to enhancing her English skills. However, the challenges took a toll, leading to homesickness and depression. In response, AUW made the decision to send her back home.

​

Upon her return, Drolma's father, mindful of the dangers tied to her past role in journalism and education, insisted on secrecy. The stigma in Afghanistan could be dangerous, and her father knew it was no joke. Thus, she remained concealed within the confines of her home until an engagement with a distant cousin was able to provide her with a shield of protection.