On March 7, 2025, "Rule Breakers" a film produced by Angel Studios, debuted in theaters all across the United States. The film tells the incredible story of Afghanistan's first all-girl robotics team, a group of courageous young women who realized their dreams despite resistance from an oppressive government and changed the world.
Nikohl Boosheri, who plays visionary teacher Roya Mahoob in the film, declared that it was a privilege to portray her character. She was inspired by the brilliance and resilience of the Afghan girls who made up the famous Robotics team.
Rule Breakers is the true story of Roya Mahboob's determination to challenge societal norms and empower Afghan girls to pursue science and technology in a country that is opposed to the education of women. Facing immense opposition, the Robotics teams must overcome their fears and rely on their courage and unity to achieve their dreams.
Recently, Hitha Palepu, a creative writer on Substack, sat down with Roya Mahboob in an inspiring online conversation, interviewing her about this ground-breaking film. Roya described the moment when she first saw the computer and how it changed her life.
"It opened my eyes to the endless possibilities that technology could offer," Roya explained with a look of wonder in her eyes as she remembered that life-changing moment. It was at that moment that Roya decided to make technology the center of her career, graduate from computer science and start her own company. She realized that this was the perfect opportunity for her to offer this kind of education to the girls of Afgnanistan.
Her next step was to have IT centers built inside of the public schools to provide training for girls ages 12-18. Many of the young girls faced threats to their lives and were accused of trying to change the culture. Roya went on to explain that what kept them motivated was to prove that Afghan girls have the same potential as anyone else in the world.
Despite their challenges, Roya emphasized that. "We were determined to change the mindset and break the barriers and show that a young woman is capable of when they have access to opportunity and the right education, to become the next inventor!"
In 2017, Roya and her team were invited by First Global to the world stage for an exciting first Robotics competition. Overcoming technical issues and visa problems, the young women traveled to Washington and received the "Courageous Award" for their courage. The Robotics team went on to win many more competitions receiving enormous support from the women of Afghanistan, changing the community's perception of what women could accomplish.
Since the Taliban took back control of the government in 2021, after the Biden Administration's disastrous withdrawal, Roya reflected on how the current situation is personally heartbreaking for her because, once again, women are denied the right to education. However, Roya explained, "We are not defined by our circumstances. We know that the fight for equality is long and difficult, but it is not impossible."
Reflecting on the film "Rule Breakers" Roya proclaims that it is a reminder of what Afghan women are capable of when allowed to be educated and pursue their dreams.
I am greatly inspired by the courage and determination of Roya. She is a great visionary teacher whose life commitment is to empower women. My Susbtack platform is all about being a voice for the women of Iran, and after watching this interview with Roya, I am encouraged that God is going to raise up many more women like Roya who will defy the government and the culture to free women from the shackles and chains of misogyny.
I highly recommend that you spend your evening watching "Rule Breakers" and like me, I believe you will come away with renewed hope that the oppressed women in the Middle East can one day finally be free!