From afgan girls to you

From Afghan girls, to you

A special collection of recent Assembly articles

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IN THIS ISSUE

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White doves: Afghanistan through the lens of a girl's camera

Firuze Sadik  | 

"What led me to this journey was a desire to hold on to the beautiful memories from my childhood, despite the many changes I knew existed in Afghanistan over the years." (Photo courtesy of Firuze Sadik)

18-year-old photographer Firuze Sadik shares a series of photos she took of her home in rural Afghanistan. Documenting everything about life in Afghanistan — from photos of fruit sellers and spending time with her family to photos depicting how people — especially girls and women — continue to find joy despite Taliban rule. Firuze highlights the importance of amplifying nuanced Afghan stories.

In the spring of 2013, when my family and I left our small town for the vast city of Istanbul, it felt like opening a completely new chapter in my life—like loading a fresh roll of film into my analog camera and embarking on a journey whose outcome I couldn’t predict. Every shot was a new experience for this little girl, and ten years later, that same little girl decided to fulfill one of her dreams by loading another roll of film and returning alone to Afghanistan to shoot a documentary film. What led me to this journey was a desire to hold on to the beautiful memories from my childhood, despite the many changes I knew existed in Afghanistan over the years. 

This journey would also be a confrontation for me; would I find the place I left behind as it once was? Would the fruits still taste as sweet? Was I ready to face what I had only read about and heard over the years? Everything had changed in those ten years. I had changed too, but holding on to pieces of the past within me made it difficult to accept what I saw at times. The regime had changed, and girls were no longer allowed to attend school. Many things had become more restrictive and challenging for women. From the moment I arrived, I felt this change with my every breath and tried to adapt to this new experience. Being back in the place where I was born was challenging, but leaving it behind in this state was much harder. Seeing girls my age unable to go to school and sensing the hopelessness in their questions upset me the most. Each time I noticed my anger in the situation, I tried to keep it in check by putting myself in their situation and doing my best to lift their spirits. Yet, despite my efforts, it was often them who found ways to make me laugh instead.

Despite all these challenges, when I think back on those small, priceless moments, I genuinely smile. During this journey, I turned my lens not just to black and white but to every color on the spectrum. 

Playing games with the children again and sharing laughter reminded me of the happiness I felt when looking at old photographs. Now, after washing the roll of film, the images remind me of how unique and beautiful every moment I lived truly was. As I look at the world through the lens of my camera, I see countless stories waiting to be told. Hidden places and times, just waiting to be discovered. Afghanistan was full of hidden stories. From the animals on the street to the bread sellers, everyone had something to teach me... Trying to see the world through their eyes, noticing their joy of sharing, gave me the courage to open my camera and load another roll of film. 

On my last day in Afghanistan, I met a little girl. She was just watching the street. "I love watching white doves," she told me. Together, we watched the white doves for hours. They were pure white and free. Just like that little girl. As I was leaving Afghanistan, the little girl who had once been terrified now felt stronger than ever while watching the doves. 

Thank you, little girl.

On the first day in Afghanistan, looking for white doves through the camera.

A man and his beasts. In Afghanistan, many families own small livestock and cattle, which hold significant economic value for them. While talking to a man who had lost ten of his sheep to theft, I could sense how difficult life had become for him.

Small boxes of fruits and vegetables inside a tent. Due to Afghanistan's climate, vegetables are not abundant, but the fruits always captivate me with their taste.

The taxis in Afghanistan are called "Rickshaw." Each driver decorates and colors their Rickshaw according to their tastes. They can be seen as styled with countless different patterns and colors. Sometimes, they are the source of income for large families.

A small fabric shop in the square of town. In Afghanistan, women mostly wear colorful and floral dresses. I always think they express their spirits through these fabrics. Although they are required to wear hijabs and cover their faces, the vibrant clothes they wear seem to reflect the souls they live with.

After a long conversation on the rooftop.

A Rickshaw working in the city center. Children have climbed on top of it while women are trying to negotiate prices.

A shop selling handmade ovens. Meals are always cooked in these large handmade ovens, and there's a size for everyone in this small shop.

 An evening where we saw everyone’s childhood selves in old wedding photographs.

The camera always seemed like a toy to the children. They would take the camera and start taking pictures.

Playing games with children in Afghanistan.

A roadside market. Being a woman alone on the street, shopping alone, and feeling fear—these were all very familiar emotions for Afghan women. Going to a market had never been this difficult.

A grandmother with her grandchildren. She told me how much she loves her grandchildren and how she missed her siblings, whom she had lost recently. She was crying when she was speaking to me. On my last day, she gifted me a colourful fabric to wear and said "don't forget to listen to your heart" as she bid farewell.

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While other girls reach for the stars, Afghan girls are denied the basic right to education

Imani White  | 

From becoming a tailor to teaching other girls in secret, Afghan girls share their lives under Taliban rule.

September 15 marks the three-year ban on girls' education in Afghanistan. We asked Erin Hung, an illustrator and storyteller, to depict the lives and wishes of Afghan girls — and the result is one of a kind.

With support from Malala Fund, the Civic Engagement Project (CEP) is working with young Afghan women activists in the diaspora to tackle gender apartheid. Through coalition-building and training workshops, they're developing bold policy ideas and advocacy strategies to drive real change.

"You might find it hard to believe, but after Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, I found myself at the end of a dark tunnel. Before the Taliban took over, I was in the final stages of 11th grade, just one year away from the golden era of my university education. But when Afghanistan fell, I was stripped of my right to education. Believe me, this is the height of misery for me and my generation. If it weren’t for the Taliban, we would be halfway through our university education by now.

It pains me deeply to think that in the 21st century, while women and girls in other countries are reaching for the stars, we Afghan girls have been deprived of the most basic right—education—for three long years. I curse my womanhood and the fact that I was born a girl in this country. What troubles me even more is that for three years, millions of girl students have lived in uncertainty, and the world has remained silent."

— Sima, 20, Kabul Province

"I still remember the last hour of class vividly. Our math teacher shared stories about the dark days of the first Taliban regime, and we all silently wished they would never return to Afghanistan. But our hopes were shattered when our country fell, and everything our teacher had warned us about came true. I was denied my right to education simply because I am a girl.

The day I learned that the Taliban had closed the school gates to girls above the sixth grade, I was so overwhelmed with anxiety that I fainted and had to be taken to the hospital. My family assured me that this decision was temporary and that schools would reopen for girls in the new year, but that day never came.

My mental health has deteriorated so much that I have attempted suicide multiple times. I don’t know how much longer I can endure this situation. I can’t speak for others, but believe me, I fear I will lose my mind." 

— Bahara, 21, Bamyan Province

"In 2021, I was in the eighth grade. When the schools reopened for boys, I dressed up and eagerly headed to school. But when I arrived, the girls’ school gate was closed. An armed Taliban guard, stationed by the gate, coldly informed us that girls were not allowed to enter and ordered us to go back home. My tears flowed freely as a heavy lump formed in my throat. I pleaded, 'Uncle, please let us go to school. What is our crime? Why don’t we have the right to study?' He sternly responded, 'Go, don’t talk too much; you’re a woman. Go learn housework.' His words weighed on me like a mountain. Along with the other girls, I returned home, and that day marked the end of my formal education.

For the past three years, only God knows what I have endured. I’ve lost three academic years. In the beginning, I tried to continue my studies through language and math courses, but the Taliban shut those down as well. Now, I work as an apprentice in tailoring because my mother says that if I don’t have knowledge, I should at least have a skill. I beg anyone with the power to change this, please remove the Taliban from Afghanistan so we can return to school."

— Ayesha, 8th grader in Kabul Province

"I was 16 years old and in the 10th grade when the republic fell. Shortly after, girls were banned from attending school. This decision was not only against Islam and human rights but was also a ridiculous action against girls that, unfortunately, continues to this day. 

The Taliban decreed the wearing of the hijab. I dressed in black, put on a cape and chador, and happily set off for school. Along the way, I joined a few other girls, and together, we felt like we were flying with joy towards school. But when we entered the school and went to our class, the principal and headteacher came in after a few minutes and told us that girls above the 6th grade were not allowed to attend school until further notice. Upon hearing this, all the girls laid their heads on their desks and wept. 

Now, I am 19 years old, but legally I am still a 10th-grade student, and it feels terrible not to have a high school graduation certificate yet. In the early days of the regime change, despair was evident in everyone’s eyes. These conditions were really difficult for me, and I told myself that until these conditions end, I should at least preserve my mental capabilities. But how?"

— Shabahat, Badakhshan Province

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Merging health education and television to make learning accessible for Afghan girls

Marina  | 

“Despite the world's silence toward the Taliban's restrictions, I persisted in advocating for Afghan women's right to education.” (Photo courtesy of Marina)

On September 15, 2021 — after the Taliban returned to power in August of that year—they began instituting a gender apartheid system which barred girls from returning to school. Three years later, thousands of girls across Afghanistan have been denied the right to learn. By collaborating with organisations like  Begum Organisation for Women — whose satellite channel will reach up to 1 million young people — Malala Fund is helping to keep education accessible. These efforts aim to restore not just education, but dreams, ensuring Afghan girls continue to learn despite the enormous challenges they face.

Studying medicine at Kabul University has always been a dream of mine and in 2015, I achieved it. I was accepted into the Curative Medicine faculty. I began my studies in 2016, but when the Taliban took over I was in my final semester and just a month away from graduation. Unfortunately, I was banned from the university.

After eight months, the Taliban briefly reopened universities, and I was fortunate to complete my degree in November 2023. During this period, I also undertook an 18-month internship program, spending most of my time in the General Surgery department, participating in over 300 surgeries. I also took part in research involving over 500  patients on the prevalence of hemorrhagic stroke and its correlation with sex, age, and history of hypertension.

Throughout my educational journey, I not only achieved top grades but also engaged in social and educational activities that empowered young women and children. For many years, I led a youth association and collaborated with medical and public health students to conduct awareness and training programs in various provinces across Afghanistan. We educated communities on cleanliness, the benefits of planting and proper medical practices for women during menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. In Kabul and Kapisa provinces, I promoted breast examination techniques to prevent breast cancer among young women.

“I dream of a bright future for all Afghan girls, where they can achieve their goals through the power of education and stand resilient against ignorance.”
— Marina

Despite the challenges posed by the Taliban regime, which brought immense disappointment and restrictions, I became determined to be a voice for Afghan girls and women denied their fundamental rights, including education and personal freedom.

Education, being the cornerstone of society, became my focus. With schools and universities banned for women, I started teaching students from grades 10 to 12 science-related subjects via my YouTube channel. Although the impact was not as widespread as I had hoped, it fueled my desire to reach a larger audience. This led me to join the Begum Organization for Women in January last year, where I began working as an instructor, creating video lessons for mathematics and biology. Within a short period, I produced over 750 video lessons.

“I hope to continue my journey in medicine and become one of the best vascular surgeons in the world. I will do whatever it takes to achieve this goal while remaining a voice for Afghan women.” (Photo courtesy of Begum Organisation)

The launch of Begum Academy and Begum TV marked significant milestones in my teaching journey. Positive feedback from students validated the importance of my efforts. “Thank you for thinking about our suffering and for holding our hands through online lessons,” an 11th-grade student told me. “It helps us reach the unattainable dreams that were closed off to us by the doors of education."

I advanced to the role of Director at Begum Academy, where I led a team to further support student learning by providing access to videos and a question bank we developed. Additionally, I wrote the section of a 52-episode medical series focused on common problems in Afghan healthcare. I also helped produce over 150 medical programs on Begum Radio and Begum TV, merging my passions for education and health.

Freshta recording videos for Begum. (Photo courtesy of Begum Organisation)

On Radio Begum, I dedicated three hours a week to discussing health issues affecting women and children in Afghanistan — from gynaecology to paediatrics. We received at least 15 phone calls during each program, where I guided women on their health concerns to the best of my ability. On Begum TV, my health program was divided into sections: discussing specific diseases, debunking incorrect health information, and answering questions received via social media or from our reporters.

Being part of the Begum Organization has been the most impactful and fulfilling experience of my life. Despite the world's silence toward the Taliban's restrictions, I persisted in advocating for Afghan women's right to education.

I hope to continue my journey in medicine and become one of the best vascular surgeons in the world. I will do whatever it takes to achieve this goal while remaining a voice for Afghan women. No matter the challenges, I will not stop until my story reaches its conclusion.

I dream of a bright future for all Afghan girls, where they can achieve their goals through the power of education and stand resilient against ignorance. I will continue my efforts today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes until there are no more restrictions or limitations for girls in our society. I want to see Afghan women respected as equal members of society. I will keep striving until the day I can proudly express my joy, free from oppression, as every human being deserves.

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Freedom does not come without sacrifice

Tamana Rizaei & Imani White  | 

“I had a dream to get my master's degree in law and political science and become a powerful woman in [Afghan] government, fighting for women's rights and education.” (Photo courtesy of Tamana Rizaei)

27-year-old Tamana recounts her harrowing experience imprisoned by the Taliban, her life as a student and lawyer in Afghanistan, protesting in the streets of Kabul and trying to rebuild a life after leaving Afghanistan.

Warning: This article mentions violence and imprisonment which could be triggering to some readers.

As a young girl in the countryside of Afghanistan, Tamana’s life was relatively quiet. After the fall of the Taliban in 1991, her father proudly enrolled her in school in 2001. She is the oldest of six siblings and knew, from an early age, that education was the key to her success. She loved history. “I was always in the library, always reading books — especially law and political science books,” she says.  

Tamana’s education couldn’t be more different from her father’s. After completing grade nine, he began working on a farm. Knowing this, inspired Tamana to complete her studies and dream of moving to Kabul with her family and creating a comfortable life there for her parents and 6 siblings. In her third year of university, she did just that.  She had two jobs and two streams of income and felt powerful. 

This was the independence she had dreamed of — and unlike the reality of other Afghan girls. “My cousin was married after ninth grade,” she recalls. “By the time I was in university, she had three kids and no education.” Education offered Tamana the agency to make her own decisions and the ability to support herself and her family since her father was murdered by the Taliban in August 2019. She became her family’s support. “If I was an uneducated girl how I could help my family? It showed me how significant my education was.”  After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she opened her law firm while applying for different scholarships to pursue a master’s degree. “I had a dream to get my master's degree in Law and political science and become a powerful woman in government, fighting for women's rights and education.”

“I couldn’t give up on my dreams and achievements easily. I had worked so hard to be an independent girl and the Taliban’s rules weren’t acceptable to me.”
— Tamana Rizaei

Tamana asked herself the questions all students do when applying for university: what subject should I study to become more helpful? Do I want to study here or abroad? 

But then the Taliban came to power and everything she was working toward was destroyed. Young women were suddenly barred from university,  banned from most jobs and restricted from public spaces. This wasn’t the life Tamana envisioned for herself, “my dreams were taken by the Taliban,” she said.  “I couldn't give up on my dreams and achievements easily. I had worked so hard to be an independent girl and the Taliban’s rules weren't acceptable to me.”

She began organising and attending protests, in secret, in Kabul in September 2021, so she wouldn’t worry her family. Protesting became a weekly ritual for her. “Protesting and raising my voice was the only hope to get my human rights and my dignity back.” 

(Photo courtesy of Tamana Rizaei)

It also became a way for her to know that she was not alone in her feelings of anger, despair, and fear about the future of Afghan women and girls. She, along with dozens of other women, took to the streets month after month to protest decrees that consistently stripped women of their rights — plunging them into a system known as gender apartheid.

In early 2022, Tamana arranged a protest in Kabul that seemed like all the others. But within two days, members of her group were arrested by the Taliban. She fled. She knew she needed to find a safe house, for her and her family’s safety. She went from house to house — but nowhere seemed safe, so she accepted to go to a safe house in Kabul city. One night, in the dead of winter, the Taliban attacked the house, arresting her and taking her to jail. 

Inside the jail, there were days with no food or water and of course no hope anymore. Tamana and those arrested with her were interrogated for days. 

After 11 days of imprisonment, a group of women were released, but Tamana was not. She suspected it was because the Taliban thought she was the leader of the protesters. 

As she watched her friends return to their families, she felt hopeless.  “I thought dying would be better than staying here under torture,” she recalls. “I remember thinking ‘I won’t see the sky again, I won’t see my mom or hear her voice again and my only wish was to see her once more before the Taliban kill me.”

Finally, after nearly 20 days,  Tamana was released. Three days later, she left Afghanistan.

“Living as a Hazara in Afghanistan gave me the courage to fight for my rights. Otherwise, it would be impossible for me and my generation to survive.” (Photo courtesy of Tamana Rizaei)

Now, living in the United States, she’s trying to piece her life together again and return to school on her terms. Her father — her biggest supporter — was killed by the Taliban, her mother and six siblings remain in Afghanistan. All Tamana wants to do is ensure their safety, education and a good life for them.

“I got a scholarship here but it required me to quit my job and be a full-time student,” she recalls. “I thought about it for days, but a big question for me was ‘If go to the university and quit my job who will support my family?’ She made up her mind to reject the scholarship. She believed in her ability to get another scholarship or attend a different university in the U.S., but she couldn’t risk her family living without food and money. 

Tamana isn’t currently attending college but supports her siblings in their English classes feels very proud of their progress, and hopes it prepares them for a scholarship abroad. Additionally, Tamana financially supports an education centre in Afghanistan — where girls learn in secret. 

“Life in a new country has a lot of challenges and is not easy,” she said. “Especially if you are alone, but I see a lot of opportunities for myself here. I know I can make my wishes come true and it makes me feel hopeful.” She hopes to pursue her master’s degree and become a practising lawyer again. 

“I strongly believe in our fight. I'm a survivor of a long-term genocide in Afghanistan because of my ethnicity,” she said. “Living as a Hazara in Afghanistan gave me the courage to fight for my rights. Otherwise, it would be impossible for me and my generation to survive.”

Tamana knows firsthand what women in Afghanistan are up against. “They’re fighting face to face with a terrorist group,” she said. “They’re brave and I’m sure that one day — maybe not far in the future — we will be without the Taliban again. But freedom does not come without sacrifice. You will always have to fight for your rights, and that is what  Afghan women and I are doing right now.”

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Three years since the Taliban takeover, what keeps you hopeful about Afghanistan’s future?

Imani White  | 

Illustration by Mahina Martinson.

Amid fear and uncertainty, here’s what is keeping young women hopeful about their education and future three years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. 

We often focus on our feelings of despair and hopelessness when talking about the oppressive systems that women and girls face every day. But what keeps girls like you grounded and hopeful about the future despite the challenges we face? 

As Afghan women remain steadfast in their fight against gender apartheid, we asked four young women from Rahela Trust’s online education programmes to sound off on what keeps them hopeful about their future and what they envision for a brighter, equitable future of Afghan women. 

“Three years under Taliban rule, yet we still find reasons to hope. Afghans have always been resilient, standing strong even in the darkest times. My friends and peers are my biggest source of strength. Despite the restrictions, we use the internet to keep learning, pushing forward toward a better Afghanistan. 

No regime can last forever without listening to its people. My dream is to one day serve my country, helping to build a brighter future when change inevitably comes.”

— Amina*, 16-year-old student in Afghanistan

 
 

“What keeps me going after three years of Taliban rule is the unwavering support of my family and friends. They lifted me up when despair threatened to take hold, pushing me to continue my education despite the odds. My friends and I refuse to give up, learning together no matter how many times the Taliban tries to shut us down. 

Our dedicated teachers have also inspired hope, reopening schools and keeping our dreams alive. Afghan women stand together, creating networks that empower us all. Even in the darkest times, we find light in each other.”

— Layla*, 17-year-old student in Afghanistan

 
 

“When the Taliban took over, many girls in Afghanistan lost hope, remembering the dark days from 20 years ago. But I held on to the words of Allah Almighty: "Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us." Despair was not an option for me. I thought of the girls before Islam, whom God protected by sending Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These reflections kept me going until I discovered the Rahela Trust Online School, where my dreams were reignited. In a country where little gives me hope, the Rahela Trust is what keeps me moving forward.”

— Basira*, 17-year-old student in Afghanistan

 
 

“The situation in Afghanistan has been tough since the Taliban took over three years ago, but what keeps me hopeful is the resilience of Afghan women and young people. Despite the challenges, we continue to pursue education and fight for our rights. Organisations like Rahela Trust, which empowers girls through education, give me hope that we can shape a brighter future. We keep moving forward, even in the hardest times, which fuels my belief in a better tomorrow.”

— Safa*, 16-year-old student in Afghanistan


Editor’s note: all names used are pseudonyms and quotes are edited for clarity.

Illustration by Mahina Martinson.

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Dawn is on the way: A Hazara woman’s account behind bars

Sorayya Heidary  | 

“Afghanistan is now like hell for every girl who lives there. But I want the brave girls of Afghanistan to never give up.” (Photo credit: McKinley Tretler for Malala Fund)

27-year-old Sorayya recounts being arrested by the Taliban, the struggle of young women in Afghanistan and her call for global solidarity in the stand against gender apartheid.

When I lived in Afghanistan, I was a high school teacher for a year, while attending university. I also played handball in the Balkh province. 

While I was teaching, I met girls who motivated me with conversations about their dreams and goals and how to build a bright future for themselves. My teammates in handball were goal-oriented girls —  heroes who could be among the best players in the world in the future. I was walking exactly on the path of my dreams. 

Suddenly the sky of our girls’ world turned black. No one can know the pain of a girl who suddenly loses her entire being — her freedom, hope, choice, dreams and future. Girls losing their human rights forced me to raise my voice.

From here, many girls who knew that this was not right found each other and started working together. That was not the first time that the Taliban terrorist regime ruled our land, so we knew that standing up against them was a high risk. But nothing could stop us — we had already lost all our rights. The Taliban forbade us from continuing our education — our first right —and confined us within the four walls of our houses.

“I want the brave girls of Afghanistan to never give up. It’s hard but if we don't think about ourselves, no one will think about us.” (Photo courtesy of Sorayya Heidary)

Women make up half of the society and an educated woman can lead to an advanced and progressive society. An educated woman can be a good mother and deliver a healthy child to society. She can be a good life partner and bring peace and tranquility to a home. She can also be a good doctor and cure people's pain. She can be a good leader and create a more equitable society. 

Living is hell in the shadow of a government where everything is forbidden for women. 

You don’t have the right to choose. 

You don’t have the right to raise your voice. 

You don’t have the right to study. 

You don’t have the right to choose your spouse. You don’t have the right to freedom of speech. 

You don’t have the right to choose your clothing. You don't have the right to wish, and with the slightest mistake in their opinion, you will be beaten and tortured and stoned. 

If there was peace, tranquility and security in Afghanistan and women had the right to education, we would witness a society with female athletes and world champions. We would celebrate their championships. We would also have prominent doctors and female leaders who would be working on vital issues. Girls would be studying and setting their goals in the corner of libraries. 

As a Hazara, I have not only suffered and experienced genocide but I have also been imprisoned for raising my voice for my rights as a woman.

I was in Taliban prison for 14 days and words cannot express how hard those 14 days were for me.

“If there was peace, tranquility and security in Afghanistan and women had the right to education, we would witness a society with female athletes and world champions...we would [also] have prominent doctors and female leaders who would be working on vital issues...[and] girls would be studying and setting their goals in the corner of libraries. ”
— Sorayya Heidary

While my mother was sick I would talk to her every day, but when I was imprisoned, I couldn't talk to her anymore because they took my mobile phone. Every day for 14 days, it killed me to wonder how my mother was doing. With those nightmares and all that research, I felt like my life had come to an end. 

What bothered me most was that my father was imprisoned because of me, and I had no news about his whereabouts while I was in prison. After I was released from prison, I had to leave my land. It took me almost a year to get to a safe place.

Afghanistan is now like hell for every girl who lives there. But I want the brave girls of Afghanistan to never give up. It’s hard but if we don't think about ourselves, no one will think about us. 

I call on the diaspora and young Afghan activists fighting for gender equality to continue and intensify their efforts so that the world recognizes this crime. Imprisoning and confining nearly twenty million women is a crime against humanity. 

Those standing in solidarity with Afghan women and girls in their fight against gender apartheid should accompany the underprivileged girls of Afghanistan at every step. They are currently experiencing the most difficult situation and their world is in despair. Give them financial, emotional, and educational support as much as possible.

From this journey, I learned that dawn is on the way. Although the path is long and difficult, it is possible.

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Hearing from Afghan girls on Malala Day

Emilie Yam  | 

Sana, Somaya, Malala and Muska (left to right) in London. Credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund. Mural by ArtLords.

Malala makes it an annual tradition to meet girls all around the world on her birthday. This year, she visited Harrow High, a secondary school in London, to speak to Afghan girls about their journey to the U.K. and their hopes for girls in Afghanistan. The girls and their classmates also brainstormed ways to support Afghan girls who have been banned from school for more than 1,000 days. Meet three girls who shared their stories at this year’s Malala Day event.

Somaya, Muska and Sana are Afghan girls with different stories to tell about how they and their families ended up in the U.K. They also share things in common: all three love hanging out with their friends and learning from their teachers at Harrow High, miss their families in Afghanistan and wish all Afghan girls could go to secondary school, just like they do. 

Sana, Somaya, Malala and Muska at Harrow High School. Credit: Mahina Martinson for Malala Fund.

Somaya, 13, and her family left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021 and resettled in London. “I didn’t know a word of English in Afghanistan,” she says. “I learned it in two years.” Her love of languages and drama series — her favourites are the K-drama “All of us are dead” and Turkish drama “Hercai” — has also led her to pick up Hindi, Korean and Turkish. 

Somaya wants her classmates to know that there are lots of friendly people in Afghanistan. She wishes she could go back and visit, and misses going to school with her cousins and doing pranks with them. 

Somaya loves learning languages and has picked up Hindi, Korean, and Turkish. “I didn’t know a word of English in Afghanistan. learned it [English] in two years.” Credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund.

“What do they do apart from going to school? I know girls who used to be top of their class and now they have nothing.”
— Sana

Sana, 17, was born in the U.K. and has extended family in Afghanistan. She plans to go to university after she graduates and study psychology. Education gives her a purpose, and she is sad for the Afghan girls whose passion for education has been extinguished by the Taliban. 

“It’s heartbreaking,” Sana says. “What do they do apart from going to school? I know girls who used to be top of their class and now they have nothing.”

Sana writing a letter to Afghan girls. Credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund.

Muska, 14, came to the U.K. as a toddler when it became too dangerous for her family to stay in Afghanistan. Her parents wanted a bright future for Muska and for her to succeed in her education and life — unfortunately the chances of that were slim in Afghanistan. Last year, she published a book called “The children of Afghanistan” about an Afghan girl growing up in a strict family and facing discrimination because of her gender.

Muska loves spending time with her teachers and classmates and feels very emotional when she thinks about the girls in Afghanistan who can’t go to school. 

“I hope that one day they will have freedom, basic human rights, go to school, go outside, say things they want to say, dress the way they want. I really hope that one day their freedom comes,” she says. 

Muska discusses the experiences of girls in Afghanistan. “I hope that one day they will have freedom, basic human rights, go to school, go outside, say things they want to say, dress the way they want.” Credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund.

For young people who want to help Afghan girls but don’t know how, Somaya, Muska and Sana advise that they raise awareness of what’s going on in Afghanistan and how it’s impacting girls. Young people can learn about the situation, share stories of Afghan girls on social media and with their families and friends, and speak out in whatever ways they can in their communities.

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London students write messages of solidarity to Afghan girls: "You are not alone in this journey"

Chisom Onyekwere  | 

Photo credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund

Harrow High School students wrote messages to Afghan girls, expressing their solidarity and awe at their bravery and resilience, and affirming Afghan girls’ right to education.

Every year, Malala spends her birthday — Malala Day — learning about the lives and unique challenges girls around the world face in getting their education. This year, Malala met with Afghan students and their classmates at Harrow High School in London, who were excited to wrap up their studies and jump into the summer break.

This is a stark contrast to girls in Afghanistan who have been banned from attending secondary school for over 1,000 days. 

That’s 1,000 days cut off from their teachers and classmates and 1,000 days unable to study their favourite subjects.

The students sat down with Malala and wrote letters of solidarity and encouragement.

Here are some messages Harrow High School students wrote for Afghan girls:

“Your resilience has me in awe and it pushes me to help you and spread the word so you can have [an] education. I really think with your bravery and our voices, we could give you guys the education you want. We have gotten so far — women have fought for our rights — we’ve come a long way and your dreams won’t just be dreams, they will be the truth.”

— Zainab 

“Girls and their right to education is something that is not widely discussed but a certain amount [of people] know that women have a heartwarming impact on the world … working together we can help stop your tears from falling on our cheek. You are cared for and there will be a day [when] you will be sitting in a class, with your friends, learning.”

— Yuvraj

“Your pursuit of education is a powerful message. It is an example of how determination can lead to change. You are changing the future of Afghanistan and you should be proud.”

— Faryal 

“We are committed to supporting girls, like you, who dream of a better future through education. I know that you can all change the world and have a positive impact on your communities if you stay strong and continue to believe and aspire towards a future that you can enjoy. You, along with all of your community and girls who face the same challenges, speak with one voice that is united and will break through … I know that your situation is unfair and unjust but your resilience and determination are a light that will guide the way for many others. We need your voice, and when you step back into the classroom, the world will be a better place for it.” — Filip

“It must be difficult to have to fight for your future. To fight for your freedom. But you are not alone. You will never be alone. For as long as we know of your story, you will never be forgotten. You will never be silenced … We will continue to be your voice until we can make a difference.”

— Jemimah

“We will all continue to speak out for you and all the sisters in Afghanistan. You are not alone in this journey. We will all not rest until schools are open in Afghanistan.”

— Salwa

“The power you show is admirable. Despite the difficulties, you continue to walk with your heads high and fight for the dreams and turn them into a wonderful reality.”

— Anastasia

“I urge all of you and your sisters to keep fighting and to never lose hope or feel the world has forgotten your devastating struggles. Your education is vital for the foundation of society and has global support. We all stand with you.”

— Mohamed

“We know how hard it is without education. It is very difficult. We hope that your dreams come true and that you get back to your teachers and friends at school.”

— Somaya

Editor’s note: messages have been edited for clarity.

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What it means to be a father to an Afghan girl today

Amina A.  | 

Amina*, a 15-year-old Afghan student, interviews her dad about his role in her education, their hopes for Afghan girls’ future and what Father’s Day means in a country where girls cannot attend secondary school.

On August 15, 2021, life in Afghanistan changed overnight. After the Taliban takeover, a steady stream of decrees changed daily life for women and girls. The ban on girls’ secondary education forced more than one million out of the classroom, making Afghanistan the only country in the world to ban girls’ education.

Fifteen-year-old Amina* from Kabul is a recipient of a scholarship from Rahela Trust — a Malala Fund-supported organisation which provides girls in rural areas with little or no resources the ability to continue their education. Her father recalls when he first heard the news of her scholarship, “My hopes and dreams for [her] education became a reality [that day].”

The scholarship meant Amina could pursue her favourite subject: biology. “Since I was a child I’ve wanted to become a doctor,” she says. “It allows me to help people more than any other job.” Alongside biology, Amina loves to paint and hopes to learn it professionally one day. 

Parents are often our first role models, educators and supporters. For Amina and her father — in a country where life is changing rapidly — their relationship remains strong and supportive and her fight for education is her father’s fight too. 

In honour of Father’s Day, Amina sat down with her dad to talk about their hopes for the future of Afghan girls, how fathers can better support their daughters and what it’s like being the father of an Afghan girl today.

Amina: How has it been being the father of an Afghan daughter in recent years? 

Navid: Being a father comes with great responsibilities, whether you are the father of a son or a daughter, in Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world. However, being the father of an Afghan daughter in the past few years has been particularly challenging due to the restrictions imposed on girls. Despite these challenges, I have tried my best to support and encourage you, ensuring that you have the opportunities you deserve.

A: What is your biggest recommendation for fathers who want to support their daughters' education? 

N: My advice to all fathers is to remain hopeful for the future and to do what you can, no matter how limited, to support their daughters' education. It is the young people, both girls and boys, who will brighten their own lives and the lives of their families and communities with their knowledge and skills. Fathers should be actively involved and encouraging, ensuring that their daughters receive the education they deserve.

A: What’s your role in my education? 

N: As a father, I have always strived to ensure that your education is completed. I have made various efforts from your childhood until now to support you in your educational journey. Your abilities and achievements in various fields reflect the dedication and hard work I have put into guiding you.

A: What is your best memory of being my father? 

N: The day I enrolled you in school — even more memorable was the day you secured first place in your class. Another significant memory is the day you completed the English language program. These moments reflect your hard work and determination, and they fill me with joy and pride.

“Fathers should be actively involved and encouraging, ensuring that their daughters receive the education they deserve.”
— Navid A.

A: Why do you think it is important for fathers to encourage their daughters the same way they encourage their sons?

 N: For me, whether my children are sons or daughters makes no difference. I believe other fathers should think this way too and perhaps even pay more attention to their daughters' education because women play a crucial role in family upbringing. Encouraging daughters, the same way as sons ensures that they have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to society.

A: What makes you proud to be my father? 

N: There are many reasons to be proud of you. You are an intelligent, knowledgeable, and principled daughter who uses the available resources for your progress. Your success in securing the Rahela Trust scholarship is a significant achievement that fills me with pride. I am proud of the person you are becoming and the dedication you show in everything you do. When I learned about this scholarship being awarded to you, my hopes and dreams for your education became a reality. It was a moment of immense pride and happiness for me.

A: What is your wish for my future and the future of all Afghan girls? 

N: My wish for you and other Afghan girls is that the possibility of continuing formal education is made available and that girls can pursue their studies in an open and supportive environment. I hope that you all can achieve your dreams and contribute positively to society.

A: If you could give me one piece of advice, what would it be? 

N: Remain hopeful for the future. These difficulties are temporary and will pass, and a bright future lies ahead of you. Make the most of the current time and the scholarship, because heroes always emerge in times of crisis. Continue to work hard, stay dedicated, and believe in yourself.

Editor’s note: Amina and Navid are pseudonyms.

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1000 Days of darkness

More to Her Story  | 

For 1000 days, the Taliban have banned Afghan girls from the classroom. Four young women in Afghanistan share their thoughts on the ongoing crisis in their country.

This article is published in partnership with More to Her Story, a newsroom dedicated to improving the odds for women and girls.

As the world moves forward, women and girls in Afghanistan are living under gender apartheid. This week marks a grim milestone — 1000 days since the Taliban banned education for girls above the sixth grade. The decree, which came into effect in September of 2021, has shattered the hopes and dreams of millions of Afghan girls.

The global push to recognize gender apartheid as an international crime has gained substantial momentum, with support from the highest levels of the United Nations and governments around the world. Even so, it’s deeply troubling that, in 2024, the world has allowed nearly three years to pass while women and girls in Afghanistan are treated inhumanely.

Each day, I am heartbroken that the lives and futures of women and girls are not prioritized at the highest level. Yet, I am also profoundly inspired by the resilience and determination of these young women to rise above their circumstances, no matter how bleak. 

The voices of Afghan girls must be amplified. Their stories must be heard, and their rights must be defended. The world cannot afford to be silent for the sake of future generations of girls and women everywhere. 

On this day, here are some messages from Afghan girls to the world:

“No one can truly understand what Afghan girls are going through. We are deprived of even the smallest social rights and have all become prisoners. This situation is worse than being in prison because we do not know when we will be freed. Today, no girl in my country has a smile on her face; we are all engulfed in despair. Will we ever be freed from this suffering, or will the next generation endure the same pain? Why is the global community silent and slowly accepting such a regime?”

— Noor, 23

 
 

“Every night, I wonder what will happen. I tell myself it’s going to be okay but it’s not. It’s not okay for me. I have dreams, I have passion... but they burn away, day by day.”

— Fatima, 19

 
 

“The number of suicides is increasing day by day. Almost one woman has committed suicide every day this week.”

— Aydin, 21

 
 

“Do you know that every minute, an Afghan girl is deprived of her right to education? This alarming statistic is not just a number but a loud and clear call to address the rights of Afghan girls. Together, let’s work towards a better and more promising future so that every girl can turn her dreams into reality.”

— Maryam, 18

Editor’s note:  Noor, Fatima, Aydin and Maryam are pseudonyms.

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