Once I walked under the warm, hot sun of summer to face the challenges of a newly divorced woman with a young son. All of my hopes lay with my son Omid. Omid means hope for a future.
I had no job at that time to make a living for me and my son, but I had the support of my parents, sisters, and brothers. I could hear people who saw me murmuring among themselves about how she is not a good woman and that is why she was divorced by her husband.
But because of my son, I did not lose my hopes or my strength. Now he is eight years old and he says to me: “My mom, I am your hope and my land’s hope. I am crazy about my land. I will try to make you and my people happy so you can be proud.”
His speeches make my heart strong. He is young but he brings dreams and hopes to our life.
Now, after many struggles, I work for an organization that seeks to motivate men and women to build the future of Afghanistan for our children who will become the future leaders of our country.
Women are a part of national policy.
Women are not for stoning to death.
Women weigh equally on the scales of justice.
The world is built by hands of men and women.
The hymns of freedom are sung by voices of women and men.
Let us join together: we are human.
By Nasima
This piece was written for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2014.
Dear Nasima,
Your beautiful words speak such truth, such love. You are being a wonderful mother to your son, and I believe this kind of nurturing will build a beautiful future for everyone. Thank you for sharing your story.
Pat
Dear Nasima,
Your story is so important. Thank you for writing it. It is not only full of hope, but full of courage, commitment, and strength. Both you and your son are leaders!
With respect, Jeannie
Nasima,
What a hope-filled story you tell! Thank you for showing us the beautiful and powerful spark of potential–i both you and your son!
Kathy
You are an inspiration, Nasima. I wish we could post a picture of you and Omid. I am so glad he has such a strong and determined mother. I bet he will become a wonderful writer, too. Maybe he already is! Is he starting to write down stories yet? Like mother like son!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us like this, Nasima. Stacy
This is such an inspirational poem — I loved reading it and learning about your struggles and strength. I also loved how close you are with your son who sees what you have done for him and wants to make you proud of him — which I am sure you already are. The poem at the end of your piece is particularly powerful. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Nancy
Nasima,
What a beautiful story. Thank you for writing it. I feel your strength and wish the best for you and your son.
Skye
Nasima,
Brave words. Stay strong.
Nasima,
This story is of hope. You can do it because you have the support around you to keep you going. The story is a beautiful piece of art. We are all human and we deserve to be treated like one. I hope the best for you and your son,
Josh
You really captured the beautiful innocence of a young child.
Very touching story.
You are a wonderful strong woman with a wonderful
strong son!