I want to tell you – and I mean you
Afghan men:
I know there are many obstacles in my life,
But that doesn’t mean I will give up.
You look at me as a weak, low-spirited girl.
You anticipate a dark future for me.
You all should know that I am a girl,
But I am not weak.
It has been a long time
That you have abused me for being a girl.
You don’t respect me because I want to break with bad tradition,
Because I want to bring changes – freedom – to my life.
You hate me.
My existence disturbs you.
You insult me in the road, at university, on the job.
If I achieve my dreams
You will look at me as a bad person.
But you should know – no one can stop me!
I will make possible
What you made impossible!
I will be the one
Who gets from you my rights as a human!
Even if I lose my life
I will not let you take my dreams.
I will show you:
I am stronger than you think!
By Maliha
Afghan air force 2nd Lt. Niloofar Rhmani walks the flight line at Shindand Air Base, Afghanistan, prior to her graduation from undergraduate pilot training, on May 13, 2013. Rhmani made history on May 14, when she became the first female to successfully complete undergraduate pilot training and earn the status of pilot in more than 30 years. She will continue her service as she joins the Kabul Air Wing as a Cessna 208 pilot. (USAF/Senior Airman Scott Saldukas)
Takes my breath away! Just brilliant, Maliha!
Liz
Maliha — This is a beautiful poem! I love the lines “I will make possible what you made impossible”! Those lines alone give me great hope for all the women of Afghanistan — but the entire poem is a tribute to the strength of the women in your country — and the resolve to not give up no matter what. Thank you for writing these encouraging words! Nancy
Maliha, keep your faith and keep writing!
Let the world hear your voices and may your dream comes true!
Nicola
Your words ring with strength and hope and fill me with awe. May you have a safe and free future!
Kathleen
One word: brava!
This says it all:
“It has been a long time
That you have abused me for being a girl.
You don’t respect me because I want to break with bad tradition,
Because I want to bring changes – freedom – to my life.
You hate me.
My existence disturbs you.
You insult me in the road, at university, on the job.
If I achieve my dreams
You will look at me as a bad person.
But you should know – no one can stop me!”
Stay strong, Maliha. Keep your head up and may you not be discouraged!
All best,
Stacy
Go on girls around the world!!! I loved it!! All that strenght!! Thanks for fighting for all women without rights !!
Women like you give others hope. Women like you will make it possible for the little girls of 10 who are married off to men of 80 to have a better life in the years to come. Women like you will help girls see that it’s possible to make their own lives on their own terms. Bless you–and your sisters in this fight.
I’m proud of you!! I wish I could also be as strong as you..
Beautifully stated!