This message from Mahshid Saber, an Afghan student continuing her education in Portugal with the support of NEXUS 3.0, captured the urgency of the Share HERCoN Closing Conference, held in Brussels on 13 October 2026.
Under the theme “Building Bridges to Higher Education: Advancing Education Pathways for Refugees,” the conference, part of an ERASMUS project co-funded by the European Union, brought together students, policymakers, universities, and supporting organizations at the European Parliament and the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU.
Speaking on the morning policy panel at the European Parliament, Mahshid shared how the Taliban’s ban on women attending university interrupted her studies just as she was approaching graduation. A scholarship enabled her to continue her education in Portugal, complete her bachelor’s degree and begin a master’s.
Her testimony connected policy decisions to the lives and futures they shape. She called for three concrete commitments: sustained funding that enables students to complete their studies; accessible pathways with practical support for documentation, visas and travel; and meaningful student participation in programme design.
Mahshid also reminded participants that opening a university door is only the beginning. Students need accommodation, support with living costs, language learning, academic guidance and a sense of belonging.
Above all, she called for recognition of Afghan girls’ and women’s abilities:
“I do not ask you to pity Afghan girls. I ask you to believe in our capabilities, and to create opportunities through which we can develop them.”
Her appeal should guide the work ahead: turn commitments into lasting, well-funded opportunities students can access.
#ShareHERCoN #HigherEducation #RefugeeEducation #AfghanWomen #EducationPathways #NEXUS30
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