Sakina also had a message for readers of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project. “Dear women and sisters. Until you take action to change your life, you will never see any changes. Today if there are any differences in the treatment of boys and girls in the family, it is up to you as a mother to change things. Become a role model for other women. Start with your own family.”
Freedom does not mean anything in my country yet. Afghan women who feel they have complete freedom are thinking only of themselves.
Every evening at sunset up until two months ago, 42-year-old Rahima would light an oil lamp in her Farah home. The lamp did not provide much brightness; its glass needed cleaning daily, and it made her home smoky. But she had no choice.
I face loud voices raised against me. / I am the only one telling myself / That I am strong / That I speak well / That I can get more education / That I can organize women.
Adalah Kabiri, a teacher at the journalism school at Herat University, applauded the opening of the center. “This is a very comfortable place for all women who work with the media,” Kabiri said. “This center has opened the door for women journalists and can help women improve their knowledge.”
I saw a shop and went there where I found some potatoes and tomatoes with eggs. I bought these things. I did not have any brother; it was my responsibility when my father was out. I came back and my mother cooked some things from the eggs and potatoes, and we had some things to eat but not enough.
“My life is filled with problems,” said another worker at the factory who would only identify herself as the mother of Wakil Ahamd, her oldest son. “My husband left me and my children four years ago. I went to live with my parents. I do not even have a pillow and yet I have the power to work.
Seema told the media that in Herat’s jail for women, she did not have any problems; people were kind to her and she even learned the trade of carpet weaving. She asked the authorities in Herat to keep her in jail so she could be safe from her family. She is ready to pass her life in jail, but she is not ready to go back to the home that destroyed her future and hopes.
Dear men! / Just one time look and / You will find much power in women / Do you think only men have the right to work? / Only men can rebuild the country? / Why?