“My journey exemplifies the indomitable spirit of Afghan women”

Mastoora

Journalist, Farah

A yellow microphone in foreground, a woman smiles while sitting on air in a radio station in the background.

“I’m an employee at a media outlet in Kabul. My life’s journey has been marked by trials and tribulations that reflect the resilience and determination of Afghan women. My story is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit amid adversity.

At the tender age of 14, my life took an unexpected turn when I was forced into marriage without my consent. My husband was much older and left me to fend for myself as he pursued his education abroad. Despite the daunting responsibilities of motherhood thrust upon me, I managed to persevere, pursuing my own education and successfully completing it.

When my husband returned, hope flickered in my heart, believing that my troubles would finally come to an end. However, fate had other plans. My husband’s unfaithfulness and infidelity shattered my dreams. Pregnant with my second child, I found myself abandoned and struggling to cope, particularly with my daughter’s special needs and mental disabilities.

My husband’s second marriage and his neglect of me and our children forced me to return to my family’s home. Determined to provide for my children, I made the heart-wrenching decision to divorce him, as he claimed he couldn’t support two families. I found myself shouldering the responsibility of raising my two children, with life growing increasingly challenging.

Despite the adversities I faced, I resolved to build a better future for myself and my children. I embarked on a career in the media, working tirelessly for four years to secure my financial independence and continue my life’s journey.

Then, the arrival of the Taliban brought new and dire challenges. Restrictions on women’s freedoms, the constant fear of losing my job, and the heavy psychological burden took their toll. To cope, I turned to calming pills. The dreams of progress and development I once held were overshadowed by the unpredictable nature of a country under Taliban rule.

The Taliban’s ban on girls’ education, in blatant disregard of Islamic principles and legality, added to my distress. I couldn’t comprehend why boys could learn while girls were denied this fundamental right. The unequal treatment between men and women was a painful reality I had to confront daily.

Yet, amid these hardships, I refused to lose hope. I fought relentlessly for my rights and the future of my children, marching forward with unwavering determination. I believed that women like me deserved to be heard, and I longed for the world to stand with us in our struggle for basic human rights.

My time working in radio has not only empowered me but also allowed me to empower others, offering solace and solutions to women in even more dire circumstances.

My story is a story of transformation. It is a testament to the strength that emerges from adversity. From a reluctant child bride to a resilient woman navigating the challenges of motherhood, disability, divorce and a turbulent political landscape, my journey exemplifies the indomitable spirit of Afghan women.”

“The world seems to have forgotten us, but the courage and fight is in our blood to persist”

A woman waters flowers growing in cut-out plastic bottles on a brick wall.