STAY MOTIVATED, THE SUN ALWAYS RISES AFTER DARKNESS.

"This is Mahdia, one of the founders of a book café. I am an 11th grade student. Unfortunately, girls from the 7th grade and above have been banned from going to school after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. So, I have been deprived of schooling since then.

After I was banned from school, I decided to establish this book café, to stand on my own feet and become financially independent. Running and owning this café has brought great change into my life.

The future of Afghanistan depends on its people and its government. It is a fact that we are in a situation where we don’t know where we are headed. If women are allowed to get an education, of course we will have an intellectual community in the future. With this intellectual community, we will definitely have a brighter future. This is all up to the people of Afghanistan. If we, the people, do our best, we will definitely build a beautiful Afghanistan. 

I also have a request for the Taliban. If they really care about the future of Afghanistan – if they really want peace, stability, freedom and justice, they must allow women to get an education.

An educated woman trains an educated community.

That is what I demand of the Taliban.  

When I say it is up to the people, I mean the people must work towards the development of the country, be it in the area of economics, culture, or other fields.  

I see no beautiful country without women. The presence of women gives beauty to every community.

I wish to become a businesswoman in Afghanistan. I will let neither trivial nor major obstacles prevent me from achieving what I want. I am determined to achieve my goals. I see myself as a successful businesswoman in the future.  

I have a message for girls of my age: Stay motivated; the sun always rises after the darkness. Be patient, for patience is a virtue. We will certainly have a bright future. I really hope that the Taliban will allow us to get an education. 

Although I couldn’t attend school, I won’t allow this to prevent me from achieving my goal. I will achieve my goals, no matter what. My next objective in life is to restart my lessons and become a successful TV anchor. Despite the restrictions on female presenters, including having to cover their faces and wear the hijab, I will not give up on my goal of becoming a presenter.  

My wish for the people of Afghanistan, both men and women, is that they can live the way they want to. Those women who do not want to wear the hijab must be allowed to do so. It shouldn’t be forced. 

I have one final message for girls of my age: Never lose hope, work harder to build a peaceful and stable Afghanistan."