UPDATES AND BLOGS

When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan five years ago, it was a defining and devastating moment for Ascend. Today, it’s time to reflect on our journey since then and, above all, to look ahead to the future and chart a course forward. For the women and girls who’ve been with us from the beginning—and for the women and girls we still hope to reach—it’s time for Ascend to come home. “If one man can destroy everything, why can’t one girl change it?” Malala Yousafzai, Pakist

Ascend graduate Zarghona on a hike. Five years ago, Zarghona fled Afghanistan. Today, she's a breast cancer researcher determined to make an impact for women everywhere, especially in her homeland. by Ben Acheson It was 2019 in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Zarghona was having doubts. Having recently joined Ascend: Leadership through Athletics, she was halfway into her very first hike, and the regret was building. “Why am I doing this?” she asked herself. But, step by step, wit

Smog viewable over Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to the risks and consequences of climate change. Here's how Ascend is partnering with Green for Girls to empowering young Afghan women to step up for climate action. When people think about climate change, they often picture melting glaciers, rising sea levels, or devastating wildfires. But for Afghanistan, climate change is much closer to home. It affects the water families depend on, the cro

Video of Ascend entrepreneurs' success stories

Women's entrepreneurship program in Afghanistan gives new opportunities to women.

Discover powerful inspirational quotes from women rock climbers and mountaineers that motivate and empower. Elevate your spirit and embrace the climb!

By: Nazia, Ascend Entrepreneurship Program Graduate For most of my life, I believed that a girl without an education had no future. I grew up in a family where my father did not support girls’ education, and I was only allowed to study until grade 7. Watching my friends continue their studies while I stayed home made me feel small, hopeless, and left behind. I wanted to do something with my life, but I didn’t believe I could. Then one day, a friend told me about Ascend. At fi

Zahra was only seventeen when she joined Ascend’s programs. At first glance, she seemed calm and quiet, but behind her silence, she carried a weight that was almost unbearable.