Friba Rezayee, executive director of advocacy group Women Leaders of Tomorrow, from left to right, Master of Public Administration student Spogmai Hashemi, Bachelor of Applied Science student Nilofar Naderi and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student Tahmeana Khaliqi are seen in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - University of Regina (Mandatory Credit)
Saskatchewan's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Friba Rezayee, executive director of advocacy group Women Leaders of Tomorrow, from left to right, Master of Public Administration student Spogmai Hashemi, Bachelor of Applied Science student Nilofar Naderi and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student Tahmeana Khaliqi are seen in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - University of Regina (Mandatory Credit)
REGINA - The University of Regina says it has welcomed the first three female students in a group facing deportation to Afghanistan, where they are at risk of being killed, jailed and tortured.Â
Dozens of female students were evacuated from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the country four years ago.
For Afghan women, pursuing an education past Grade 6 in the Taliban-controlled country is forbidden.
The university, as well as the advocacy group Women Leaders of Tomorrow, raised money to help relocate some of the women to Saskatchewan to continue their education after the United States government suspended their scholarship funding in Qatar.
There were delays in getting the women into Canada, because the federal government delayed issuing student visas after putting a cap on international students last year.
The University of Regina says another three students are currently in the visa processing stage.
"It's amazing to see these three courageous women finally here on campus and to learn about their incredible journeys and passion for continuing their education,†Jeff Keshen, president and vice-chancellor of the university, said in a statement Thursday.Â
“Their strength and resilience sets a strong example for all about the importance of equity, compassion and global citizenship, values that define our institution."
The university said the campaign to bring the women to Saskatchewan surpassed its initial fundraising goal of $500,000, raising more than $815,000 to support the Afghan students.
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Nov. 6, 2025.
The ºÃÉ«tv Press. All rights reserved.
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