Friday morning / People at the market doing their shopping, / Suddenly a loud noise / Made a difference among people / There were many pieces, / A motorcyclist exploded himself / Did not care about humanity / Killed children and injured women.
Tuesday, Nov. 17 — Armed gunmen broke into a school in Farah Province’s Pusht-e-road District today, holding the guard at gunpoint and setting the building afire, ending for now the education of its 1,200 students, as a sign of growing tension over the future of education in Afghanistan.
Nearby residents criticized as cowardly the burning of the school building as well as desks and chairs. “We condemn this action,” said resident Mohammed.
When I was a kid, nothing used to bother me more than not having a brother and sister to play with. My father would come home every six months. He was a shepherd and had to take the sheep from one place to another. My father was a very hard worker…
One autumn day when the air was filled / With wood smoke, when the sun / Twinkled from behind blown clouds / When the wind puffed up the trees, we asked our mom / “Could you prepare landai for the winter?” / “Yes,” she said, “but you must help me.”
Afghans suffers pain, trial, labor, grief, sorrow, tragedy. / Now the president needs to serve them / Serve for people, serve those who need / Serve for those who have lost their families, loved ones who live only in memory.
In my high school, I was the nerdy girl who wore spectacles and worked in science labs. Most of my classmates only hung out with me because I had the answers to their question related to science, and other subjects too. Most of my teacher didn’t seem to like me. They always asked me why I wore a scarf at school even though all the students were girls…
Voting for the first time was quite exciting for me. Not just because I was voting, but rather it was a feeling that I could make a difference. My vote makes a difference and I can choose who is going to be our future president. I was on the basketball court when my classmates came to me and told me about election cards they were distributing in my high school.
I love my job. I know it can help bring changes in women’s living conditions in my province. But there are obstacles.
Recently I received a death threat from Taliban. I was on my way to work when a neighbor called out to me and said, “You must return home because we found a letter from the Taliban threatening you, and you must quit your job right now.”
I am from long line of women who have walked alone … / From a land that smells of the blood of innocent people / From a people who have lost everything in war – sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers / From a people feeling hopeless / I am from long line of women who have walked alone
This election was not the same as the first one. Then, I had hopes and desires for the future of my country. I voted for Masouda Jalal, the only woman who wanted to be president in our country’s history. I was waiting to see a bright future for Afghans and a government that works for the people.
The Afghan Women's Writing Project : Dedicated to the Memory of Zarmeena
Security notice:
The security situation can be difficult for many women in Afghanistan, especially those who are determined to further their education or those who frankly tell their stories. Out of concern for their safety, this blog will not use family names or specific locators.
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