Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan

14 Aug

Posted at 14:06h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan, One Billion Rising, V-Day

This month will mark the 4th anniversary of the Taliban’s domination of Afghanistan. For many, Afghanistan’s crisis is an "old story." It is not breaking news anymore, not exciting enough for headlines, because our country has been in conflict for more than four decades, used again and again as a proxy battleground for the interests of powerful nations. In August 2021, after 20 years of NATO and international presence in the name of “fighting terrorism,” the fate of our people was once again handed to the Taliban. Through a signed agreement, they were effectively reinstalled. Since that day, they have stripped...

07 Aug

Posted at 20:03h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, One Billion Rising, V-Day

For more than forty years, Afghanistan has been the battleground for proxy wars, exploited by global and regional powers at the expense of its people. This long history of conflict has left the country devastated — physically, economically, and emotionally. Entire generations have grown up in war, poverty, and displacement, deprived of the basic right to live in dignity. Yet the suffering of Afghans has not been limited to within their borders. Throughout these four decades, neighboring countries, especially Iran, have treated Afghan refugees with ongoing cruelty and discrimination. Sadly, this has remained a largely ignored and unspoken issue on the international...

07 Apr

Posted at 12:35h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, One Billion Rising, V-Day

“Afghan Women Speak” Series is a Webby Awards Nominee! VOTE for it NOW Our V-Day series Afghan Women Speak: Stories From Inside Afghanistan has been chosen as a Nominee for the 29th Annual Webby Awards in the General Social - Public Service & Activism category. Webby Awards are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. The 29th Annual Webby Awards was the most competitive season yet with more than 13,000 entries submitted. In November, the series won two Anthem awards in the Education, Arts & Culture category. Afghan Women Speak amplifies the stories and voices of Afghan women who can...

10 Dec

Posted at 15:45h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, V-Day

My grandmother often told stories about the laws of the jungle—where animals fought for survival, and the strong preyed upon the weak. While such struggles could be understood as a necessity of life, the cruelty of today’s world is far more terrifying. Humans, in their relentless pursuit of power, trample over one another with no regard for compassion, sacrificing children and destroying futures. Entire generations are deprived of the chance to live freely, receive an education, pursue their dreams, or become the people they were meant to be. Men and women alike are left in unbearable circumstances, suffocating under systems...

01 Sep

Posted at 15:13h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, V-Day

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by V-Day (@vdayorg) The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is worsening. The rights of millions of women in Afghanistan continue to be violated, stripped and threatened under the guise of “combatting vice and promoting virtue” as the Taliban continues to erase Afghan women from all facets of life as outlined in a 114 page document of new orders and strict measures governing everyday life for Afghan citizens. As women and girls face the brunt of these crises, Al Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups have regained a presence in the country. In “The Girl Selling Plastic...

01 Jul

Posted at 18:44h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, V-Day

Soon after the Taliban took power in 2021, they banned high school for girls. We already knew then, that sooner or later they will close universities as well, because naturally there will be no high school graduates to join the universities. And this is exactly what happened. The Taliban officially banned girls and women from attending universities and from working in national and international NGOs. In a matter of seconds, we lost everything we had worked for our entire lives....

07 Mar

Posted at 10:41h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan, V-Day

Nadia (not her real name), a young unmarried woman, resides alone in Kabul with her elderly mother. They lack the support of any siblings, and the absence of her father and brother during these challenging times under the rule of the misogynistic Taliban is deeply felt. The Taliban’s oppressive policies have stripped women of their rights to work and live in peace. Nadia is facing a pressing concern as her mother’s health has deteriorated, necessitating an urgent operation. Unfortunately, Afghanistan faces a shortage of skilled doctors, and the quality of healthcare is often subpar. The lack of well-qualified teachers and...

19 Feb

Posted at 12:39h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, One Billion Rising, V-Day

Our RAWA sisters in Afghanistan are Rising for Freedom amidst devastating conditions. We stand in awe of their voice, their bravery and their solidarity with activists rising across the globe. Here is their statement that they have asked us to share with you: The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) participated in this year's One Billion Rising for freedom. Throughout the week-long event, small gatherings, slogan writing, and other activities were held in our home-based classes, courses, centers, and homes in cities like Kabul, Mazar, and Herat. During these events, discussions centered on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, particularly the challenges...

29 Jan

Posted at 11:00h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan, V-Day

It's a struggle that's hard to put into words, and it feels like no one truly comprehends or shares in our pain. Sitara (not her real name) is in her 30s with two children. She owned and managed a beauty salon in Herat, Afghanistan and her personal journey highlights the enduring hardships faced by the people of Afghanistan over the past four decades of war and instability. I couldn't attend school, never experiencing a typical childhood due to the constant presence of war. Eventually, my family and I were forced to flee to Pakistan as a result of the ongoing conflict. Unfortunately,...

22 Jan

Posted at 06:00h in Afghan Women Speak: Stories from Inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan, V-Day

Samina, (not her real name) ran a gym in Herat, Afghanistan and has two teenage daughters. Below is her story: Around 14 years ago, a friend and I decided to invest in a gym for women and girls. The concept of a gym, especially for women, was relatively new in Afghanistan, but we believed it was a great idea. We saw it as a way to empower women to prioritize their health, fitness, and embrace self-love. Unfortunately, our culture has never really encouraged women to focus on themselves; they are often expected to solely serve their husbands and children. So, we thought...