Saliha was 15 years old when her father received 120,000 Pakistani rupees (about $1,425 USD) in return for agreeing to marry her. Her fiancé, Ghani, son of Baqi, was more than 30 years old, had been married once, and had children. He lived in Kandahar. Saliha was unhappy with her father’s decision but had no other choice than to follow his orders.
I Think About Poor Children
December 31, 2009 5 Comments
Walking, One Hand at a Time
December 29, 2009 24 Comments
When I was nine months old, I had a fever and my family took me to a doctor. The doctor gave me a shot and the next morning my legs would not support me. I had polio. My family did not have money for follow-up treatment.
When I was five years old, my father left my mother for another woman. Then we did not have money even for food…
The Nature of Natures
December 28, 2009 3 Comments
Waiting
December 28, 2009 18 Comments
When I became a teenager, I began thinking about marrying my cousin Sahil. This had been discussed between my aunt and my father when I was born. I liked Sahil. He used to tease me, saying: “Oh, Vida, you’re too fat to marry.” I would get upset, but then he would say: “I am kidding.”
The Walk
December 26, 2009 9 Comments
I was very sad because my teacher wouldn’t let me repeat my exams. She ignored my request and it broke all of my dreams. I decided to walk alone outside. I was really disappointed that I had lost my chance to go to the university. I really didn’t know what to do. Even the news that my other friends were doing well disturbed me.
Growing Saffron, Not Opium
December 24, 2009 4 Comments
Before sunrise each day, 40-year-old farmer Abdurrahman starts to work on his saffron field in Afghanistan’s Farah Province. Almost 18 days ago, he planted the bulbs that will produce this spice. It marks his first experience with saffron farming.
Afghanistan is the world’s largest grower of opium poppies, producing more than 90 percent of the world’s supply.
Night
December 23, 2009 2 Comments
Your Voice is Your Power
December 23, 2009 5 Comments
I’ve traveled all over the world; I’ve encountered different lifestyles, cultures, and women. Believe it or not, among them all, Afghan women are the most helpless and defenseless. They are hardworking and faithful and they support their husbands. Unfortunately they are taken for granted by their husbands and sometimes by male family members. They would love to laugh, work out of the house, go to school.
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