Fighting for the right to learn

Recent graduate, Storiya Iqbal, recounts her fight for education in Pakistan and how that struggle led her to a full scholarship and a biomedical degree in the United States. (Photo courtesy of Storiya Iqbal)

 The 27-year-old college graduate reflects on her fight for education and honoring her brother's legacy.

Warning: This article mentions violence, which could be triggering to some readers.

In April 2017, my life suddenly changed after losing my brother, who was not only a brother but my best friend and mentor. I am the sister of Mashal Khan, a progressive student who identified himself as a humanist. He was mercilessly killed by an extremist mob on the campus of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in Pakistan. Mashal Khan, a brilliant and outspoken journalism and mass communication student, fell victim to baseless allegations of blasphemy. Shockingly, this brutal murder occurred within the university premises, with the active collaboration of thousands of university students, employees, outsider religious extremists, and even university administration.

We had a happy life before this. My father valued education, especially his daughters’ education in a society where girls were not encouraged to attend school or be independent. With all these obstacles, my father worked hard in the cold northern areas of Pakistan to give us a better life and an education, with the hopes of a greater future.  

My mother loved to go to school. She wanted to be an artist but her dream was cut short when she left school during childhood because her family forbade her to go. They believed that “good family girls” did not go to school. My mother believed that educating her daughters would help educate future generations. She tried her best to help us in every aspect of our lives, cooking us food, keeping us healthy, and dropping and picking us up from school every single day. 

I recently graduated from the University at Buffalo in May, but behind this achievement, there is a heartbreaking story of struggle.

I am sharing my story so young girls can be inspired. By recounting the hardships I have endured over the past six years following the brutal death of my brother and how I faced those challenges with bravery and succeeded.

Following my brother's untimely demise, religious circles in Pakistan launched a vehement propaganda campaign against him, accusing him of blasphemy — a charge that holds no merit. As a result, my entire family faced numerous threats. When my father took a stand for justice and pursued legal action, our lives were further endangered. As Mashal Khan's sister, I was deeply affected by this tragic incident. At the time, I was enrolled in a school, near where my brother was killed. 

Due to the intimidation and threats from hardliners and religious groups, both my younger sister, who was in 9th grade at the time, and I were forced to stop our education. Living in fear, we were confined to our home, without permission to venture outside. This forced absence from school persisted for over a year despite media interviews I conducted, highlighting my desire for education and protection.

During this harrowing period, we were essentially prisoners in our home. My mother was unable to visit her son's grave due to the constant threat of harm, while my sister and I were forbidden from attending school. I knew the only way to complete my college education was by studying abroad.

“My father encouraged me to rise again, stand up for what I believe in, and change the grief I felt into a drive for education.”

— Storiya Iqbal

By sharing my story and my determination to continue my education, I was granted a full scholarship at the University at Buffalo. This was a huge support from UB that encouraged me, as a girl, to travel alone, raise my voice, broaden my ideas, and continue my studies.

When I entered UB as a freshman, I had little idea of what I wanted to study. But I chose biomedical engineering as my major because I was interested in life-saving professions. Since childhood, I liked to help others, and I believe that the field of biomedical engineering allows me to achieve my goals.

Outside the classroom, I was a peer mentor at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at UB. I tutored five students a week in basic engineering courses. I was also selected as a student engagement ambassador at UB, where I developed leadership skills. And as a young girl, this motivated me to be a leader, develop critical thinking, and champion equity and inclusion.

Throughout my journey, UB was a great place to study in a positive, supportive, and safe environment. Along with my studies, I also discovered many platforms for activism and community service.  Due to my origin in a rural area, I was actively participating in awareness campaigns and attending seminars promoting girls’ education. I also wrote articles on the importance of education in our region.

Throughout my five-year stay in the United States, I wasn't able to see my parents, but I was determined to reward them with my achievements. I struggled, facing many hardships, but I woke up every morning with a new hope that I could do it. Many times, I slipped and fell in the snow. I cried but I stood again remembering the promises that I made with my family — to fulfill the dream of my brother for a higher education for me. 

“I struggled, facing many storms, but I woke up every morning with a new hope that I could do it.” — Storiya Iqbal. (Photo courtesy of Storiya Iqbal)

Finally, the day came. I graduated. When I was called on the stage, I felt my brother’s presence and knew he would have been so happy. I remember the day I stopped going to school and I will never forget the day when I graduated as a biomedical engineer. I am happy that I have accomplished the big dream of my brother, Mashal Khan, who inspired my love for learning by losing his life for education, peace and humanity. The hardest time of my life was when I was unable to go to school due to the fear of extremists. My father encouraged me to rise again, stand up for what I believe in and change the grief I felt into a drive for education.

I have heard that "educating a girl in the present can be a miracle in the future". As a young girl, I had many hopes education has helped me achieve and I am proud of my accomplishments.. This is not just a degree for me but a lifetime struggle. The many sacrifices of my family to empower girls in education and inspire generations of girls to come will not go unnoticed. Today I am the first female engineer in my family and I am glad to become a role model for all the girls who need to be motivated in STEM.

I dedicate my degree to my beloved brother Mashal Khan, “the Martyr of Knowledge," and all the Afghan girls who are struggling for the right to learn. Despite numerous challenges, I triumphantly got my degree with a resilient spirit. I hope my unwavering commitment to education serves as a beacon of motivation for all girls and stands as a heartfelt tribute to Mashal Khan. The extremists who blow up girls’ schools, those who banned girls from classrooms and those who martyred Shaheed Mashal Khan did not succeed in spreading ignorance, fear, and deterring women from achieving their potential.