The only thing anyone can do for Afghan women is to stand by their side and support protesting women

Khadija

Protester, Daikundi

A woman in a bright green hijab looks out her window, a car battery partially obscuring her view.

“I am responsible for the monitoring committee and management of the protest programmes of the Afghan Women's Alliance. Only women and girls take part in our protest programme.

Prior to the takeover, I was an auditor and the gender officer for a government department. I was also a radio host.

Now, I am protesting with a group of rebel women for the freedom and rights of Afghan women, although we are captive behind the walls of our households. Women and girls are not going to their workplaces. They are not allowed to go.

The most important change in my life was the loss of my child in the demonstrations and the loss of my home. I am still homeless and in hiding.

My hope is for the freedom of women and the opening of schools and universities for girls, and the political participation of women at the leadership level to attract women to higher positions.

The only thing anyone can do for Afghan women is to stand by their side and support protesting women.

The international community should listen to the voices of Afghan women and defend the protesting women and save those who are in serious danger.”

I WAS AFRAID THAT THE TALIBAN WOULD TAKE THEM FROM ME