My culture says good girls should wear scarves and long dresses or long trousers. People think that if she doesn’t, she is a bad girl who does not listen to older people.
In my family, no one told me I must wear a scarf or long clothes. My mother is the most important person in my life and she does not care if I wear a scarf. I asked my friends what they would think of me if I didn’t wear a scarf. They said they would not care, they would still think of me as a good girl.
Some people in Afghanistan think that girls should not go to school because girls are only for working inside the home, not outside. In many places in Afghanistan, if a girl talks to man or boy who is not her relative, people think she is a bad girl. They say good girls should always be quiet.
My uncle does not think girls should study. My father’s side of the family thinks it is a sin for girls to go to school. But my family always told me to study hard and not listen to people who say girls should not go to school because it is my right to make my own life. When people tell me that going to school is not good for a girl, I am not quiet; I tell them I don’t care what they think of me.
Someday, I will tell my daughter to study hard, get an education, and make her own future so she can make changes in our country. I will tell the same thing to my son: study hard and never believe there is a difference between girls and boys.
Girls should never believe only what people tell them or think of them. They should be able to become anything they want in life, and wear anything they want to wear. Girls should always be free.
By Madia, age 13
Girls should always be free, indeed! Yes, these are words to live by! I think your entire essay is wise and fair–to all. You have expressed yourself well, and I cheer for you, these many miles away, because I know that you have a strong heart, mind, and spirit. Keep up the beautiful work! Stacy
Dear Madia,
I love the strength and optimism of your essay! You are very lucky that your parents want you to go to school. Be sure to work hard! I hope that you get a good job after you are done with school.
Your uncle who says it is a sin for a girl to study does not know what he is saying. It is a sin to murder people. It is a sin to beat people. To study is a great thing! Girls have a right to education! Studying gives you strength and freedom. I hope that uncle does not have any daughters! If he does, maybe someday you can help them to learn some of what you’ve learned at school.
My hopes and prayers are with you!
Alice
Dear Madia,
You are graced with a wise mother and she is graced with a wise daughter. I wish you all the riches of an education and an open mind. I wish you strength on your journey forward.
Peace,
linda
Madia — Your family’s strength in supporting your right to be free is remarkable — especially given how your father’s side disapproves of the way you live. Bravo to your mother especially for encouraging you to be whoever you want to be. Thank you for sharing your strong words and for being determined to live your life on your own terms. Best wishes, Nancy
Madia,
Don’t care even if people think of you as a bad girl. We know that you a good girl without a head scarf and a long huge dress.
All the best,
Nahida
Nahida Jan, good job for you.It was really great.
hi dear,hope to be fine!
In my idea,the things that you have said here,are not good for a Muslim girl.As aMuslim we have to follow the rules of Islam!
Hello Somaia Jan,
I know what I wrote but still thank you so much for let me know what you think of Muslim girls . But if you think that you are Muslim girl so it is you choose, but not all the girls around Afghanistan. We Afghan women really need to be free also like Afghan boys, we really need to have right, Don’t we?
I am happy that I wrote this so people can read and tel me know what they think of my writing, like you thank you so much again.
Thank you so much for your comment!
Madia who wrote this essay:)
Dear Madia,
I am inspired, moved and heartened by your essay but moreso by your response to Somaia…it is one thing to show grace and authenticity in an essay and another in a response. You have shown your “true colors” and true heart in both. Thank you for your inspiration! ~Kat
Dear Madia,
I think you are very brave, courageous and deserving of the freedom to not wear a head scarf if you don’t want to! A head scarf does not define a girl. What is in your heart, your actions, your words…those are the things that define a girl! Your bold writing shows that you are a passionate young woman! I am a mother of only daughters, three of them. They all go to school. I know that going to school is important, and it will be a generation of girls with your determination who will make a difference in your country.
Stay strong!
Kelly
Madia jan,
Your essay reflects what a strong young woman that you are. I am very proud of you for standing up for your rights to wear what you want. You are a wonderful girl and I am so pleased at how well you express your ideas about your rights in this essay.
Much love,
Elisabeth
Good job Madia jan. Keep up the good work. Afarin. 🙂