“I found myself in a world of despair and an uncertain future”

Khujasta

Former university student, Nimroz

a young woman in a coloured outfit looks out over a fertile valley and mountains.

“I’m a third-year student at the Faculty of Law and Political Science in one of the private universities in Afghanistan. The twists of fate have prevented me from continuing my education due to the current limitations that surround us.

Before 15 August, I was engaged in a vital mission, working with a non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting abused women, and managing safe houses for those seeking refuge. In this noble endeavour, I played a role in helping these women reclaim their rights, break free from the shackles of domestic violence, and empower themselves to lead free and independent lives.

Two months before the fateful day of 15 August 2021, the districts in our province started falling into the hands of the Taliban. I, along with some of my colleagues, were relocated to Parwan. Little did we know that this was just the beginning, and soon, the entire nation would succumb to the control of the Taliban, shattering our dreams and plunging our lives into darkness and uncertainty.

After 15 August, my life underwent a drastic transformation, losing my job, and every moment was filled with stress and fear, anticipating the possibility of being apprehended by the Taliban and subjected to physical and mental torture. Unfortunately, after the fall, the institution where we worked abandoned my colleagues and I, leaving us in a state of uncertainty, with no necessary measures taken for our exit from Afghanistan.

I found myself in a world of despair and an uncertain future. From the Taliban takeover until now, they have made life incredibly challenging and restricted for us women. Issuing consecutive edicts and orders, they’ve limited all our activities. Afghanistan has become “Restricted Land” for women – a place where our lives are constrained and challenging.

Despite my overwhelming sense of hopelessness, I persevered. I eventually managed to secure a position as a supervisor at another non-governmental institution. I refused to let the circumstances define me negatively.

Despite the limitations, I indirectly initiated legal committees through groups of active women, supported by a non-governmental institution in our province. Together, we established local unions, striving to provide educational opportunities for girls deprived of learning and continuing our struggle to be role models for future generations, demonstrating genuine resilience in the face of adversity.

In the past two years since the Taliban takeover, the sad reality is that the majority of people, especially men, have failed to take substantial action to reopen schools and universities for girls. Any attempts made were primarily driven by a handful of courageous women who sacrificed their comfort to raise their voices. So, here I stand, urging my fellow Afghan sisters to never relinquish their efforts and to continue fighting for our fundamental and primary rights – our right to education and work.”

[Since writing, such educational projects run by NGOs have been banned by the Taliban.]

“Why is it that just because one is born a girl in this country, they have to pay a lifelong price?”

A female health professional looks at the chart of a female baby, which lies in the hospital bed next to her.