By Allie Renar | Operations & Finance Manager
We are pleased to share an update on the 2025 phase of the Underground TechSheroes program and to thank you for the support that made these outcomes possible.
Throughout 2025, Underground TechSheroes operated as a 12-month program serving adolescent girls and young women aged 14 to 25 in Mazar-e-Sharif city. Implemented across three training centers, the program combined structured IT and coding instruction with health education and women’s empowerment sessions. Many participants entered the program with limited or no prior access to formal computer education, making this initiative a critical opportunity for skill development and personal growth.
A total of 120 students enrolled during the year. Of these, 103 students reached the final assessment stage, and 102 successfully graduated after passing the final computer examination. One student did not meet graduation requirements. Student dropouts during the year were limited and driven primarily by external personal and family-related factors, including illness, early marriage, relocation, increased household responsibilities, and restrictions on continued participation. These factors were unrelated to program quality or delivery.
Instruction was delivered by four educators across the three centers. Dedicated IT and coding instructors led technical training, while a women’s empowerment facilitator worked across all locations. In addition, the program integrated structured sessions led by specialized guest speakers covering physical and maternal health, reproductive health, mental health awareness, stress management, emotional well-being, and positive coping strategies. These sessions provided students with accurate information and safe spaces to ask questions that are often difficult to address openly.
Monitoring and evaluation findings demonstrate strong and measurable progress across all outcome areas. By the end of the program, 99 percent of participants achieved at least a 50 percent improvement in both IT and coding skills, exceeding the program benchmark of 90 percent. These results reflect the effectiveness of the curriculum, hands-on practice, and consistent mentoring approach.
Health and well-being outcomes also improved substantially. Rejection of harmful beliefs related to pregnancy care increased from 84.4 percent at baseline to 97.1 percent at endline, indicating a stronger understanding of the importance of antenatal care and medical consultation. Misconceptions about mental health declined from 16.4 percent to 8 percent, reflecting reduced stigma and greater recognition of mental health as a legitimate concern. Participants also demonstrated improved hygiene practices, including reduced adherence to menstrual health myths.
Attitudes related to gender equality and violence prevention showed meaningful positive change. Rejection of patriarchal leadership norms increased to 85 percent, reinforcing confidence in women’s leadership and participation in decision-making. The belief that families and communities can help stop domestic violence rose from 56.8 percent to 76 percent, while the justification of abuse declined significantly. These shifts indicate growing recognition of collective responsibility, women’s rights, and the unacceptability of violence.
Taken together, these outcomes highlight the effectiveness of Underground TechSheroes in combining technical education with health awareness and empowerment. The program not only equipped participants with practical digital skills but also strengthened knowledge, confidence, and attitudes that support long-term well-being and opportunity.
None of this would have been possible without you. Your generosity and commitment through GlobalGiving directly enabled young women to access education, mentorship, and safe learning spaces during a time of profound challenge. On behalf of the students, instructors, and program team, thank you for making this progress and success possible.
We are pleased to share that a new Underground TechSheroes cohort began in January 2026. We look forward to supporting these students as they advance through the program and to sharing their progress with you in the months ahead. Your continued partnership remains vital to sustaining this pathway to skills, resilience, and hope.
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