“Every day feels like a slow death for my daughter and I”

Pari

Mother, Helmand

A mother sets a pot of water to boil over a gas cylinder, her young daughter visible next to her, from a side angle.

“The man I loved came to my home for a proposal [six years ago. I was 21 at the time and my family] didn’t know him previously, but he seemed handsome and my family didn't object. The marriage happened swiftly, and I moved to a new house about which I knew very little.

I was an urban girl, but my husband’s family hailed from a rural background, which brought about some differences. Still, I managed to lead a content life.

After three years of marriage, the situation in many provinces of Afghanistan began deteriorating. My husband worked at a private TV channel and often travelled between Helmand and Kabul. As Afghanistan’s situation worsened, with provinces falling into the hands of the Taliban, he joined the throngs of people at the airport. He managed to board one of the evacuation planes during the chaos.

Six months later, my husband called and informed me that he intended to divorce me. I wondered what I would tell our [2-year-old] daughter when she asked about her father and why he had left us alone.

I feel helpless and exhausted. Each passing day brings more hardship. I’ve been jobless for the past two years since the Taliban’s return, and I’m grappling with a multitude of problems. It feels like a slow descent into despair. I feel helpless and trapped. Each passing day has been tougher than the last. I’m struggling with the challenges of life, and every day feels like a slow death for my daughter and I.

My two-year-old daughter and I are completely unaware of the events and circumstances unfolding around them. I am now a solitary woman with no one in my life besides my daughter.

My only wish is to create a foundation for my daughter’s education and a better life so that she won’t experience the difficulties I’ve been through.”

“I look forward to a day where women and men stand side-by-side again, experiencing equal rights”

A young woman sits in a chair, looking despondent.