“We have transformed our homes into schools and universities”

“Before the arrival of the Taliban, I was a fourth-year journalism student at Kapisa University. I had done media activities since my university days, working as a reporter with various media outlets. In addition to my media work, I collaborated with government entities and international organizations on advocating for the rights of women and children. My plan was to pursue higher education in international relations at a reputable American university after graduation. I dedicated day and night to achieving this goal.  

However, after August, all my aspirations suddenly turned to dust, like a sweet dream transforming into a terrifying nightmare. In the early days of the Republic’s collapse, I endured challenging times, spending months in severe depression. I lost my job and, soon after, the university gates were closed to me. I felt like my dreams, aspirations and identity had been reduced to nothing. 

The biggest challenge in providing online education for girls was the economic difficulties faced by my students. Fortunately, after numerous efforts, I managed to secure funding from friends abroad to cover the Internet and educational materials for my students. Currently, I have around 50 students in these classes. 

The Taliban must understand that the current generation of Afghan women and girls is vastly different from the women who lived under their past regime.  

I am certain that the sole path to fighting the Taliban and gender discrimination in Afghanistan is to support women and girls. It is essential to support those who have been pushed into oblivion under these dreadful and inhumane conditions, facing numerous challenges in their lives.  

 Women in Afghanistan must receive support from the people and the international community in every possible way.”