Where is the real me? - V-Day
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Where is the real me?

Where is the real me? – vday.org

19 Dec Where is the real me?

Posted at 09:22h in V-Day by

Nida (not her real name), a 28-year-old woman, was sharing her harrowing experience while shopping with her mother. She had rolled up her sleeves, not paying heed to her mother’s warning that it might cause problems:

“We were inside a clothing shop, and as we exited, a man who had been observing us, presumably for some time, confronted us. He was armed with a lash and a Kalashnikov, had a long, unruly beard, wore a turban, and had menacing eyes. He ordered us to go to the local police office, and I trembled with fear. My mother began to plead, saying, ‘Please forgive us; she’s young and inexperienced,’ but they insisted we accompany them.

We sat there for an hour until another intimidating figure arrived and demanded to know why we weren’t dressed in proper Islamic attire and hijab. He said, ‘Don’t you know about the law that expects women and girls to stay at home? If they go out, they must wear all-encompassing loose clothing that reveals only their eyes.’ My mother continued to apologize and beg for forgiveness, and after a while, he relented. However, he insisted that we immediately purchase a hijab and dress me in it. Only then were we allowed to leave.

I feel like I’ve lost myself. I’m being controlled in every aspect of my life, whether it’s related to my dress, makeup, body, education, or work—every aspect is dictated by the Taliban. I’m left wondering, where is the real me? Who am I anymore?