January 21, 2024 • Afghanistan

Afghanistan my beloved homeland, once a land of breathtaking beauty and endless possibilities, now finds itself in the grip of fear and despair under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Our dreams have been shattered, our freedom taken away, and our hopes for a better future seem to be slipping away.

In this land, where majestic mountains touch the sky and wildflowers once stretched as far as the eye could see, we are now faced with tragedy and hardship. War, poverty, and oppression have left deep scars on our land and its people, making it difficult for us to even imagine a life of freedom and opportunity.

I come from a place where the word "freedom" has lost its meaning, where simple joys like going to school or taking a walk in the park are distant memories. Afghan girls yearn for education and the chance to pursue their dreams, but we are constantly denied these opportunities. We are not seen as equals in our own country, and our ambitions are often stifled by societal restrictions.

Despite these challenges, we refuse to give up. We believe that education is a basic human right that should be available to all, and we are determined to fight for our dreams and create a better future for ourselves and our families. We are not afraid to speak out against injustice, even if it means risking our own safety. We are warriors, fighting for a brighter tomorrow for ourselves and our sisters.

Despite all of these challenges, we nevertheless continue to push forward. We know that education is not just a means to an end, but a fundamental human right that should be available to all. We know that by pursuing our dreams, we can help to create a better future for ourselves and our families, and we are willing to fight for our rights with unwavering determination. We are not afraid to speak out against injustice, even if it means risking our own safety. We are true warriors, fighting for a better future for ourselves and our sisters.

 I am a girl from Afghanistan, 

And I dream of a world where I can be free. 

Free to learn, free to work, free to be me. 

But the Taliban stands in my way, 

Seeking to take away my rights every day. 

They say girls should stay at home, 

That our education and dreams should be thrown.

But I refuse to give up on my dreams, 

I will fight for my rights, no matter how extreme. 

I want to learn, to grow, to be strong, 

To prove that girls can do anything all along.

I aspire to be a doctor, a teacher, a leader, 

To inspire others and be a believer. 

That girls can change the world if given the chance, 

That we can break free from this oppressive stance.

So I call upon the world to hear my plea, 

To stand with me and fight for my right to be free. 

To support Afghan girls in their journey towards education and empowerment, 

To create a brighter future for all, where we can dream big and make a statement.

Together, we can break down these walls, 

And show the world that girls can conquer it all. 

We will not let the Taliban hold us back, 

We will rise up and make our voices heard, that's a fact.