Our hope is that the women of Afghanistan will not be forgotten in the future

I am one of the women’s rights activists in my province. I am working on women’s empowerment and the protection of women.

Before the Taliban takeover, I worked in the Department of Women’s Affairs (DoWA). In addition, I also undertook various civic activities. Unfortunately, now that DoWA does not exist, I only do legal and support activities.

I do not have a job right now. I am working on economic support, introducing economically active women to United Nations agencies so that they can access projects. I also collaborate on educational programmes. I tell women about financial support offered for psychological counselling, and women call me or visit my home every day to receive free legal advice. I do all these activities without a salary or any benefits.

The biggest change I have faced is my unemployment and disqualification [losing my credentials], which made me lose my self-confidence and I have faced many problems from an economic point of view.

The most important issue is safety and protecting my life, as I am facing security problems and threats. I am under pressure because of economic problems [and because I am being spied on by the authorities].

We talked to the media and we had a meeting with the authorities. Although they did not allow us in, we went several times and repeated our requests, until finally they allowed us in. We turned to the United Nations, and fortunately, the United Nations supported and helped us so that we could finally get our rights, salaries and privileges to some extent.

Our hope is that the women of Afghanistan will not be forgotten in the future. Sharia and human rights that are intended for all human beings, including men and women, should be given to women as well. Afghan women can lead a dignified life, like other women in the world, get a job can study to become self-sufficient and competent to be involved in decision-making.

My message is:

In Afghanistan, women are the victims of any change. My message is that this time, [the international community] should join hands with women, not with the current leaders, nor with countries that support the Taliban. Be with us and support us so that we can reclaim our rights.