Key Takeaways
1. Afghan women's fight for education spans generations
"Education is a privilege. It shouldn't be, but it is."
Generational struggle. Afghan women have been fighting for education for decades, with progress often followed by setbacks. The author's grandmother, Khan Bibi, fled her marriage and educated all her children despite poverty. This legacy continued with the author's father opening a community school for girls in their refugee camp.
Cultural barriers. In Afghan culture, girls often eat last and are educated last, if at all. The Taliban's rise in the 1990s further restricted women's rights, banning them from schools and public life. Despite these challenges, many families, like the author's, prioritized education for their daughters.
Key figures in Afghan women's education:
- Queen Soraya (1910s): Opened first all-girls school
- Author's grandmother, Khan Bibi
- Author's father
- The author herself
2. Tribal roots shape identity and responsibility in Afghanistan
"Being a khan is like trying to plug leaks in a dam with nothing but a kid-size shovel at your disposal."
Tribal leadership. The author's family belongs to the Tarozai-Barakzai Durrani tribe, one of Afghanistan's largest and most influential. As a khan (tribal leader), her father was responsible for the welfare of his community, mediating disputes and advocating for their needs.
Refugee experience. Growing up in a refugee camp in Pakistan, the author straddled two worlds: her tribal heritage and the modern education system. This dual identity shaped her understanding of both traditional Afghan values and the need for progress, particularly in girls' education.
Responsibilities of a khan:
- Mediating disputes
- Advocating for community needs
- Maintaining tribal unity
- Balancing tradition with progress
3. Personal loss fuels a mission to educate rural girls
"I wanted a 2.0 version of that system, with one major difference: I wanted it out in the open."
Turning point. The author's decision to forgo Oxford University and return to Afghanistan was driven by a deep sense of responsibility to her community. Encounters with girls like Durdana, who struggled to access education in rural areas, solidified her commitment to this cause.
LEARN foundation. Inspired by these experiences, the author founded LEARN, an NGO focused on providing education to girls in rural Afghanistan. Her approach combined traditional community schools with innovative technology solutions.
Key challenges in rural education:
- Lack of schools and qualified teachers
- Cultural barriers to girls' education
- Limited access to technology and resources
- Security concerns in conflict-affected areas
4. Innovation overcomes obstacles in delivering education
"Tablets were portable enough for the girls to take with them wherever they went, no matter what happened."
Technological solution. The author partnered with Rumie, a Canadian NGO, to provide pre-loaded, solar-powered tablets to girls in rural areas. These devices offered a full curriculum without requiring internet access, making education accessible even in remote locations.
Community engagement. To ensure the success of her programs, the author worked closely with tribal leaders and local communities. She named projects after Afghan heroines, connecting modern education efforts with historical figures to build cultural acceptance.
LEARN's educational approach:
- Pre-loaded tablets with full curriculum
- Solar-powered devices for areas without electricity
- Community schools with locally recruited teachers
- Programs named after Afghan heroines for cultural relevance
5. Becoming a female tribal leader defies cultural norms
"You are him; you are him."
Unexpected leadership. Following her father's death, the author was unexpectedly called upon to lead her tribe, becoming one of Afghanistan's first female tribal leaders. This defied cultural norms and expectations, challenging both her own perceptions and those of her community.
Balancing tradition and progress. As a khan, the author had to navigate the complex dynamics of tribal politics while continuing her work in education. She pledged to lead temporarily until her brother came of age, demonstrating respect for tradition while breaking new ground.
Challenges of female tribal leadership:
- Overcoming cultural resistance
- Balancing tribal responsibilities with NGO work
- Navigating family disputes over inheritance
- Maintaining credibility in a male-dominated system
6. Peace negotiations reveal complexities of Afghan politics
"Engaging personally with the group my father fought against, in any form, even if it were on the periphery, felt like a betrayal."
Difficult decisions. The author's participation in peace negotiations with the Taliban in 2021 highlighted the complex political landscape of Afghanistan. Despite personal reservations, she recognized the need for inclusive dialogue to achieve lasting peace.
Competing interests. The negotiations revealed the divisions within Afghan society, including the gap between urban elites and rural communities, as well as the influence of foreign powers on domestic politics.
Key players in Afghan politics:
- Taliban
- Afghan government
- Western-backed "hyphenated Afghans"
- Tribal leaders
- Civil society representatives
7. The fall of Kandahar marks the end of an era
"If this was to be the last time I got to show my face, I might as well do it on TV."
Final stand. As the Taliban advanced on Kandahar in 2021, the author made the difficult decision to return to the city, despite the dangers. Her televised interview as the city fell became a poignant symbol of resistance and the end of an era.
Uncertain future. The author's eventual evacuation from Afghanistan represented not just her personal loss but the broader tragedy of a nation once again plunged into uncertainty. The fall of Kandahar signaled the collapse of the post-2001 Afghan government and the return of Taliban rule.
Impacts of Taliban takeover:
- Reversal of progress in women's rights and education
- Mass evacuations of at-risk Afghans
- Uncertain future for NGOs and civil society organizations
- International isolation and economic crisis
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "Last to Eat, Last to Learn" about?
- Memoir of Pashtana Durrani: The book is a memoir by Pashtana Durrani, detailing her life in Afghanistan and her fight to educate women in a challenging socio-political environment.
- Focus on Education: It highlights the struggles and triumphs of establishing educational opportunities for girls in rural Afghanistan, where access to education is severely limited.
- Cultural and Political Context: The narrative provides insights into the cultural and political landscape of Afghanistan, especially concerning women's rights and education.
Why should I read "Last to Eat, Last to Learn"?
- Inspiring Story: Pashtana's journey is one of resilience and determination, offering inspiration to those interested in education, women's rights, and social change.
- Unique Perspective: The book provides a first-hand account of life in Afghanistan, offering a perspective that is often missing from mainstream narratives.
- Educational Advocacy: It sheds light on the importance of education in transforming societies and the challenges faced in regions affected by conflict.
What are the key takeaways of "Last to Eat, Last to Learn"?
- Education as Empowerment: The book emphasizes the transformative power of education, particularly for women in regions where it is often denied.
- Cultural Sensitivity: It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting cultural contexts when advocating for change.
- Resilience and Leadership: Pashtana's story is a testament to the impact of determined leadership and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of a greater cause.
How does Pashtana Durrani approach educating women in Afghanistan?
- Community Schools: Pashtana focuses on setting up community schools that are accessible to girls in rural areas, often using informal education methods.
- Use of Technology: She incorporates technology, such as preloaded tablets, to provide educational content without the need for internet access.
- Cultural Integration: Her approach respects and integrates local cultural norms, gaining the support of tribal leaders to ensure the sustainability of educational initiatives.
What challenges does Pashtana Durrani face in her mission?
- Cultural Resistance: She encounters resistance from traditionalists who question the need for educating girls.
- Political Instability: The ongoing conflict and political instability in Afghanistan pose significant challenges to establishing and maintaining educational programs.
- Resource Limitations: Limited financial resources and infrastructure make it difficult to provide consistent and quality education.
What role does Pashtana's family play in her journey?
- Supportive Father: Her father is a significant influence, instilling in her the importance of education and community service.
- Family Challenges: Despite support, she faces familial challenges, particularly from extended family members who oppose her educational pursuits.
- Legacy of Leadership: Her family's history of leadership and advocacy shapes her approach and commitment to her mission.
How does Pashtana Durrani's story reflect broader issues in Afghanistan?
- Women's Rights: Her story highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights and education in Afghanistan.
- Impact of Conflict: It reflects the broader impact of decades of conflict on Afghan society, particularly on education and social structures.
- Cultural Dynamics: The narrative provides insights into the complex cultural dynamics and the role of tribal systems in Afghan society.
What are the best quotes from "Last to Eat, Last to Learn" and what do they mean?
- "Educating girls was our family business." This quote underscores the deep-rooted commitment to education within Pashtana's family, highlighting its importance as a legacy.
- "You cannot take from your community if you’re a good leader." This reflects the principle of selfless leadership and the responsibility to prioritize community needs over personal gain.
- "You have to learn to look past the burqas." This quote challenges readers to see beyond surface-level cultural symbols and understand the deeper issues affecting Afghan women.
How does Pashtana Durrani's work impact Afghan society?
- Empowering Women: Her educational initiatives empower women by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their lives and communities.
- Community Development: By focusing on education, she contributes to the broader development of Afghan society, fostering a more informed and capable population.
- Challenging Norms: Her work challenges traditional norms and paves the way for greater gender equality and social change.
What specific methods does Pashtana Durrani use to overcome obstacles?
- Collaboration with Tribal Leaders: She gains the support of tribal leaders to legitimize and sustain her educational programs.
- Innovative Use of Technology: By using preloaded tablets, she circumvents the lack of internet access and provides a portable education solution.
- Adaptability and Persistence: Her ability to adapt to changing circumstances and persist in the face of adversity is key to her success.
How does "Last to Eat, Last to Learn" address the theme of resilience?
- Personal Resilience: Pashtana's personal journey is marked by resilience, as she overcomes numerous challenges to pursue her mission.
- Community Resilience: The book highlights the resilience of Afghan communities, particularly women, in the face of ongoing conflict and adversity.
- Inspiring Others: Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, demonstrating the power of resilience in achieving change.
What lessons can be learned from Pashtana Durrani's leadership style?
- Inclusive Leadership: She practices inclusive leadership by involving community members and respecting cultural norms.
- Visionary Approach: Her visionary approach focuses on long-term goals and the broader impact of education on society.
- Empathy and Understanding: Her leadership is characterized by empathy and a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by those she aims to help.
Review Summary
Last to Eat, Last to Learn is a powerful memoir chronicling Pashtana Durrani's fight for girls' education in Afghanistan. Readers praise her courage, resilience, and dedication in the face of adversity. The book offers a raw, personal account of life under Taliban rule and the struggles faced by Afghan women. Many reviewers found it eye-opening and inspirational, highlighting the importance of education and women's rights. While some noted minor writing issues, the overwhelming sentiment is that this is an important, must-read book that sheds light on a critical global issue.
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.