In brief
Razia Jan, an Afghan-American educator who dedicated her life to empowering girls through education in Afghanistan, passed away on July 20, 2025, at her home in Los Angeles. Despite her passing, her dream of girls’ education in a country fraught with challenges remains alive through the schools she built.
Razia Jan, a visionary Afghan-American educator and humanitarian, has passed away at the age of 81 on July 20 at her residence in Los Angeles, succumbing to congestive heart failure. Jan gained widespread recognition for founding the Zabuli Education Center near Kabul, a beacon of hope and education for girls in Afghanistan amidst the restrictive regime of the Taliban.Born in Quetta, Pakistan, in 1944, Jan's journey began in the United States in the 1970s where she started a successful dry-cleaning business. After witnessing the events of 9/11, Jan felt compelled to return to her homeland and advocate for education, particularly for girls, who faced significant barriers under Taliban rule. She created the Zabuli Education Center in 2005, focusing on overcoming cultural resistance and ensuring girls could access education.Jan’s tireless efforts included raising funds and resources to support local orphanages and schools, often winning the support of skeptical village elders through her linguistic skills and diplomacy. Her school welcomed over 100 girls initially and continued expanding, adapting to cultural norms while fiercely advocating for education.Her impact was immortalized in the PBS documentary "What Tomorrow Brings," which followed her students' lives, documenting the challenges they faced in a society increasingly hostile to women's education. Even after the Taliban regained power in 2021 and limited educational access for girls, her foundation continued to thrive, enrolling 810 students even under the new restrictions.In addition to her countless contributions to education in Afghanistan, Jan was recognized as a humanitarian hero, receiving accolades such as the CNN Heroes honor in 2012. Her legacy lives on through the Razia's Ray of Hope Foundation, which continues to inspire and educate girls in Afghanistan. Survived by her family, Jan's life was a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of education for girls in challenging environments. Her commitment to creating avenues for learning and empowerment in Afghanistan remains an enduring legacy.
