From Kabul to Toulouse University

Bashria Sarwari is an inspiring Afghan woman whose journey is marked by courage, determination, and a deep commitment to helping others. From her early days in Kabul to her current pursuit of a PhD in Social Psychology in France, Bashria has dedicated her life to empowering displaced people—especially Afghan women—through education and humanitarian work. 

Born and raised in Kabul; after completing her high school, Sarwari began her higher education in 2012, enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in English Literature at Ustad Rabbani University. Even as a young student, she dreamed of making a difference. In 2015, she began working with Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS)—a humanitarian organization supporting victims of war, natural disasters, and displacement. 

At JRS, Sarwari played a crucial role in the lives of internally displaced people who had fled their provinces for Kabul. She taught them English and basic literacy, many of whom were illiterate and had never attended school. 

“I felt very good to be a part of this organization where I got to teach English to these people,” Sarwari said.  

With support from JRS, Sarwari earned a scholarship in late 2016 to pursue a master’s degree in social work in India. While doing school, she also enrolled in courses in Human Resources and Management to better equip herself for her ultimate goal: founding her organization to continue helping people back home. 

“I wanted to work hard and prepare myself to establish an organization with the same mission as JRS—to help people in need,” Sarwari said.  

In 2019, after completing her master’s degree, Sarwari returned to Afghanistan. In 2020, she co-founded “Ostak”, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting flood victims, internally displaced people, and others affected by war and disaster. Under her leadership, Ostak carried out meaningful humanitarian projects, supported by donors and international partners. 

“I was always looking for projects and donors who could help people in Afghanistan—and I was able to find some,” Sarwari said. “We helped so many people. That’s what I wanted to do with my life: help my people.” 

In early 2021, she planned to begin her PhD studies in Social Psychology at Bangalore University in India. Balancing her academic aspirations with her work at Ostak, Sarwari travelled back and forth between the two countries. But her life and the lives of millions of Afghans changed drastically when Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021. 

“Before the fall, I returned to Afghanistan for my engagement party. I had planned to go back to India, but everything collapsed while I was there.” 

Like countless others, Sarwari desperately sought a way out. Despite holding a valid Indian visa, her multiple attempts to leave the country failed. On one terrifying occasion, she escaped an explosion at the airport.  

“It was one of the most difficult times of my life. I was so lucky nothing happened to me during that explosion,” Sarwari said. 

Eventually, Sarwari, her fiancé, and her siblings were able to flee with the help of JRS, making their way to safety in Italy. Though she found refuge, starting over wasn’t easy. 

“I found it a bit challenging to live in Italy. It’s hard to build a stable life there,” Sarwari said. 

Though grateful for safety, Sarwari struggled to find a PhD opportunity, as most scholarships available were only for master’s programs. Still determined, she spent her time learning Italian, integrating into society, and exploring her next steps. 

After eight months in Italy, she moved to France in May 2022, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Sarwari was accepted into the University of Toulouse, where she is now completing her PhD in Social Psychology. In her PhD program, Sarwari focuses on how Afghan refugees adjust to new countries and how forced migration affects their identity.  

She currently holds a visa that allows her to work and study, and her husband has recently joined her. Together, they are building a new life in France. 

Despite the challenges she has faced, she has never given up on her dream. 

“One day, I hope to restart my organization and continue helping people in Afghanistan—especially women,” Sarwari said. 

To Afghan women facing adversity, her message is simple yet powerful: 

“Don’t lose hope. There is always light after dark. Stay strong—nothing stays the same forever.” Sarwari said.  

Despite everything Sarwari has endured—from war and displacement to the challenge of starting over in foreign lands- she continues to carry her mission forward. With unwavering hope and a heart rooted in service, she is not only building a life in France but also preparing for the day she can return to empower Afghan women once again.