WE DESERVE ATTENTION FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.

"As a working woman and an active citizen, it was very difficult for me to be excluded from public life, unable to reach the goals I had set for myself. It really disappointed me. After many years constantly working and studying – working hard to achieve the goals I had set, now it depresses me to the deepest extent possible to have to stay home and lose everything at once, without hope for any positive change. I feel worthless and weak.  

I have two children. Since being forced to stay home, it feels like I cannot interact with my children the way I used to. I cannot convey what I have learned about being an active and useful citizen to my children. All of this causes a lot of damage in a woman. 

The first few days following the Taliban takeover of the country, I used to stroll around the city. What I noticed, of course from my own perspective, was that the city looked horrid, either in terms of the Taliban-imposed dress or their treatment of the people. It was an environment of fear and suffocation. People could not move around freely, especially after dark.

I picture the Taliban as a terrorizing and suffocative group who are far from civilization, knowledge, and development, being strictly fanatic and exclusivist. The nature of this group is tied up with violence. They have no clue how to address an issue peacefully.

The Taliban’s takeover of the country brought numerous problems for the citizens. The major problem is poverty and the weakened economy. People are becoming economically weaker day by day. This is because of the Taliban, which has no experience of ruling a country, and, on the other hand, are unacceptable for the international community. The people are under pressure economically. 

Girls are not allowed to go to school and continue their education. Youth have lost their motivation for learning, both boys and girls. This is mainly because the quality of education has dropped drastically. This is all due to the Taliban takeover of the country. 

My worst memory, which I will never forget, is when my sister, who is an 8th grader, came home from school weeping and full of disappointment. That day, my sister and all students from the 7th grade and above were told that they could not go to school until further notice. My sister, who was a top student at her school, has suffered a lot since that day. She is still suffering. She is still hoping for the day that schools reopen for girls.

Considering the situation of the country, I for one foresee a dark future ahead. I see no good for myself and my family in this country. The plans that my husband and I had for improving the lives of our children and ourselves are all suspended. None of us can imagine any improvement in ourselves in this situation. 

Afghanistan under the Taliban is at risk of collapsing once again, being secluded and severely in danger. The Taliban is suffering severe weaknesses in terms of politics, economics, culture and society. Obviously, the future is dark. The country is badly backward. This is disappointing. 

Women form half of every society. They cannot be eliminated. Any effort to do so leads nowhere. Unfortunately, women are suffering various limitations and forms of violence. It has been harmful to women’s spirit; therefore, I believe that women in Afghanistan deserve more attention from the international community."