‘Nothing Can Stop Us:’ Afghanistan’s ‘Robot Girls’ Escape Taliban

They were a symbol of progress in Afghanistan.

In a country where women faced brutal repression and were banned from schools and employment outside their homes, an all-girls robotic team from Herat made international headlines for both their outsized accomplishments and their mere existence. The team proved that a post-Taliban Afghanistan hosted new opportunities for women.

But with the Taliban’s recent return, the girls no longer felt safe. Some fled to Qatar with their families. Others were welcomed in Mexico, which has made an effort to accept female refugees.

NBC’s Richard Engel caught up with some of the girls in Doha, the Qatari capital. Eighteen year-old team captain Somaya Faruqi explained “Nothing can stop us. We continue our way.” (Watch Above)

“Somaya said fixing things makes her feel free and powerful and taking part in international competitions has given her an opportunity to show the world what Afghan girls can do, and that Afghanistan is not just about never-ending wars,” reports NBC News.

In Mexico, five members of the team were among a group of refugees that also included journalists and media members.