Margaret Owen, President of Widows for Peace Through Democracy, has suggested that well-endowed independent girls' schools in the UK could offer A-level science bursaries to Afghan girls. This proposal aims to provide educational opportunities for Afghan girls who aspire to study medicine, have learned English online, and can demonstrate the necessary academic ability.
Owen highlights concerns that Afghanistan may soon face a severe shortage of female doctors, nurses, and midwives. This is attributed to the Taliban's policies, which include stopping girls' education, codifying child marriage, banning contraception, and forbidding women and girls from accessing male health providers. She suggests that such bursaries could help keep the issue of gender apartheid in Afghanistan in the public eye.
Owen notes that even if practicalities like passports, visas, and travel prove challenging, offering these bursaries could be a way for independent schools to justify their charitable status.