The changing room is busy with footballers going through their pre-match routines. Some stretch and tighten their boots, others embrace. “Be strong as always because we are representing Afghan women,”

Alia’s story is unusual, not just for her bravery. But she also comes from a family which has the funds to pursue the few opportunities available to young women –

ANKARA, Turkey — An estimated 2.4 million Afghan girls remain excluded from secondary education five years after the Taliban took over the country, a U.N. agency said Tuesday, renewing a call for