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