There should be women who dare to take pictures and challenge Afghan male culture. I think everyone has a unique way of looking at things and we should not prevent women from exploring their visions. I do not think photography is a male job. I think art is without boundaries and gender should not limit it.

An Afghan female photographer has the advantage of gaining access to the private lives of people. It is easier for her to go inside people’s houses and take pictures. If a man asks to go to a house, it is more difficult.

I wore my back veil because I thought it would be more acceptable to dress like a Muslim girl. I thought I could hide my camera under my veil. However my choice was a mistake.

Love is beautiful. It is the need of life. Of course it is not comparable to the love we have for God, but does not the poet say that from earthly love people achieve God’s love? Well, whatever, I like to be loved and love someone. A smile appears on my lips from all these thoughts, and I tell myself, “I am here for praying and not thinking of a future husband. Let me concentrate on God.”

In my religion of Islam, it is one of the important duties of parents to choose a nice name for their child so that no one can mock the child afterwards about their name.

The best part of Eid in Afghanistan is that it lasts longer for women. In Herat, my original province, men have three days of Eid but women have one month and they go to visit friends and relatives. I guess it is because women are relationship builders; they are peace and love connectors.

The room is dark and I feel bad as if something inside is warning me. I tell myself that I am brave as I find my way in the darkness. The light of the moon from the window lets me figure out the way.