Asian University for Women founder envisions Afghan ‘brain bank’

TOKYO — The United Nations has identified Afghanistan as having the second-largest gender gap in the world. But undaunted young females in the country are enthusiastically seeking educational opportunities, the founder of the Asian University for Women told Nikkei Asia.

The gender gap for outcomes in health, education, financial inclusion and decision-making in Afghanistan stands at 76%, according to an assessment released last month by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and female empowerment. It also found that women in the country realize on average just 17% of their full potential to make choices and access opportunities. Worldwide, women on average realize 60.7% of their full potential.