Part 1 • Part 2

Dear Mahram,

I am not writing this letter to remind you what you did. I have a big heart, and I have forgiven you already. But I want to tell you that I have decided I will not sign the slavery contract again.

I don’t want to live my life like the way I did before. I want to change my life for the better. For my son and daughter. For my children and grandchildren.

Don’t show me your teeth the next time you see me. I know this letter will make you very angry but I am not a child. I am a grown up human, and I know what is right and wrong. It is my right to make mistakes; it is my right to talk and live my life. I know that the world is still a good place to live; I don’t need to hide myself or cover my face all the time.

I have promised myself that I will not listen to you until you promise me that you will accept that you and I are the same.  Once you accept this, you and I can support one another, and we can live our two lives freely and happily under the umbrella of love and freedom.

Relax and take a deep breath! You don’t need to worry about who looks at me and who hears my voice. You must trust me. I know the boundaries of right and wrong. I am a modern woman. I want to work with you, support you, and live with you happily.

Please remember to respect me. And then I will love you. Remember to support me, and then I will be with you throughout my life. Accept me as a human being, as you accept yourself.

Call me by my name, Pari.

I don’t live in yesterday’s time. I am not a slave. I am not Bibi Gul, or Mah Gul, or any other woman who has suffered constantly under a culture that oppresses women.

By Pari