In Their Words

In Their Words

Banned from Work, Excluded from Aid

Name: Zarifa Province: Badakhshan My name is Zarifa, and I am a 45-year-old widow from Badakhshan with three children. My husband passed away 18 years ago,...
In Their Words

Fahima’s Story: Harassed Over Hijab by Taliban Patrol

Province: Takhar My name is Fahima, and I am a teacher at a private school. Three days ago, I went to the market with my...
In Their Words

Siege During a Women’s Protest in Kabul

Name: SimaProvince: Kabul We were sitting in a translation office near Charahi Sedarat when someone knocked on the door. It was during one of the...
In Their Words

Banned from Education, Increase in Suicides

Name: Bahara Province: Bamiyan Before the Taliban takeover, I was in the ninth grade. I still remember our last class. That day, our math teacher spoke...
In Their Words

A Future Unraveled by Aid Cuts: Mahbuba’s Story

Balkh Province My name is Mahbuba. Prior to the Taliban's takeover, I established an NGO that focused on psychology, supporting destitute women, assisting street children,...
In Their Words

Forced to Marry a Taliban Commander at 17

Name: Safora Decree: The order for the marriage of young girls (above fifteen) and widows (under forty-five) to Taliban member I am 17 years old. When...
In Their Words

Ayesha’s Story: School Gates Opened for Boys, Not Girls

Province: Kabul In 2021, I was in the eighth grade. After the fall of Afghanistan, when the gates of the school reopened, I put on...
In Their Words

Aadila’s Story: Banned from Parks, Isolated at Home

Province: Kabul My name is Aadila, and I am a teacher who has been forced into a state of confinement at home. For some time...
In Their Words

Aseya’s Story: Working Under Taliban Media Restrictions

Province: Kabul I was previously a professor at a private university. Following the events of 2021 and the ban on female students attending universities, I...
In Their Words

Banned from University, Struggling with Mental Health

Name: Hamida Province: Kunduz Hello, my name is Hamida. I am from Kunduz province, but I currently live in Kabul. Three years ago, I graduated from...