Sana A. was born in Kabul, had to flee fighting with her family in northern Afghanistan, and is currently studying economics and political science in the U.S. After her education, her goal is to work for the Afghan government and help support Afghan women.
I was born into a liberal family in Kabul province of Afghanistan. When I was three years old, civil war broke out, and we left all our belongings and immigrated north to Mazar-e-Sharif. Shortly afterwards, our house in Kabul burned and we lost everything. We lived in Mazar-e-Sharif peacefully for seven years and had a pretty good life. Our good days ended in 1998 when the government collapsed and the Taliban took over Mazar-e-Sharif.
“I was usually beaten with cables and sticks. I got pregnant twice but lost my babies because of severe living conditions. In three years, I didn’t leave my in-law’s house even once; I was always locked in a small house,” says Mahnaz.
Mahnaz, 22, is my friend. I met her through my job. She was working in one of the ministries in Kabul.
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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