Entry test topper eyes improved women’s lives

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): A 17-year-old high school graduate, who topped the university entrance test last fall, on Thursday said bringing positive changes to the lives of Afghan women would be her mission.

Shuhra, who obtained 352 marks and booked a seat in the Kabul University’s Medical Faculty, told Pajhwok Afghan News during an interview in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, that the credit for her success went to her parents – both teachers and a highly educated couple.

Wearing a black scarf, Shuhra spoke without any hesitation and shared boldly her future plans with Pajhwok after she expressed her willingness for an interview at her home.

“I have never studied to have high grades, but to learn and enhance my knowledge. I want to become a doctor and establish a big hospital in Afghanistan in the hope to bring positive changes to the lives of our women.”

Shuhra was enrolled in a school in Mazar-i-Sharif at the age of four and from seventh to 12th grade she consistently obtained first position at her school.

She said the secret of her success lied in studying to gain knowledge, not high marks. She said her father Abdul Wahid Qaderi and mother Pushtana Qaderi were highly educated and both taught at the Balkh University. Her parents had been cooperative with her in her studies since childhood.

Her siblings — five sisters and three brothers — all have completed higher studies, except the younger brother.

Qaderi said Shuhra’s success was a result of her organised study plan and untiring efforts. He said he had never seen her daughter wasting her time.

Shuhra also said she used to study 20 hours a day and co-study with classmates. She was in fourth class when she realised that there was no way out for a positive change in one’s life, but education.

Besides studying, she also assists her other sisters and mother in household works. Her mother Pushtana Qaderi said she had never felt the need to ask her daughter to study because she would always do that herself.

She praised her daughter for being able to fairly deal with her studies and responsibilities at home.

Shuhra called on all girls to take advantage of the available education facilities around them and never abandon efforts at getting education.

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