Despite facing numerous hardships, an Afghan family has supported their female members to pursue their education and one of them has received the highest score among girls in the university entrance exam announced last week.

Parents of Beheshta, the top scorer among girls in university entrance exam, said they have ignored unwanted believes with the hope to make a better future for the young members of their family.

“Those who do not allow their children, especially girls, to go to school are wrong. Because most of Afghanistan’s problems are rooted in illiteracy. People must be educated to leave behind the challenges,” said Abdul Hamid, father of Beheshta.

“Fortunately, my family does not consider education negative for girls. I can go to school freely,” Beheshta said.

Beheshta said she has two sisters who are also busy in pursuing their studies at university.

“It is hard for girls to do what they want, specially, when they are not linked with a party or do not know someone (in government or private institutions),” said Nooria, Beheshta’s sister.

Beheshta’s mother, Zarifa, said they had to face bitter words from their friends and relatives for giving a special freedom and chance to their daughters to study and make their future.

“We were told that girls should not study. But now I believe that they must be educated in order to have a better future,” said Zarifa.