From Kabul's Shadows to Global Light
On August 15, 2021, a day that witnessed the crumbling of hope for all Afghans, the Taliban captured Kabul. During that time, I wondered if the Taliban would kill us, force girls into marriages, and recruit boys for their militia. On March 23, the first day of the school year in Afghanistan, eager female students arriving for class found closed gates and armed Taliban guards.
Before the Taliban, by participating in different activities, I hoped to be able to study in the prestigious universities of the world as an Afghan girl. For example, in grade 9 I created a research group and collected information through interviews with district leaders about demographic composition, administrative organization, and development plans for the 13th district of Kabul, and we then presented our findings on government negligence in a research paper. In grade 10 I participated in a month-long virtual exchange program between Pegah High School and Funairi High School in Hiroshima, Japan, in which I presented on Afghanistan as well as heard from them about culture and life in Japan. I ran for Student Council at one of Afghanistan's highest-ranked schools, and, as president, I created departments, initiated drawing competitions, worked for gender equality in sports, and organized a month-long charity event for a nearby school that was bombed. Plus, I participated in various workshops and summer camps to improve my skills and make new friends.
Then came that dark day in August, and with it the shattering of my hopes and dreams, when the Taliban captured Kabul. Under extreme mental pressure and terror, my family decided to leave Afghanistan and immigrate to Pakistan. The journey was hell. From Kabul to Boldek through Kandahar, our car broke down on the way, leaving us waiting for five hours in the scorching heat. After the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan opened, we walked along the road on foot until we reached the border. When we entered, we encountered the terrifying Taliban. I had seen them on TV when I was a child, but seeing them in person was very different. They looked scary with long hair, dark eyes, and guns. They were beating people regardless of their gender or age. After passing the Taliban, we faced Pakistan's troops. I knew three languages, but they spoke Urdu, so communication was difficult. They saw us as miserable and treated us inhumanely.
Upon arriving in Pakistan I was introduced to a different world, but I learned Urdu from them little by little and became aware of their culture. Since we were immigrants, we didn’t have Wi-Fi or electricity, but I often went to my neighbor’s house and used their Wi-Fi for important parts of my lessons. My elder brother shared PDF books with me, and reading books in English helped me to become more familiar with the language and improve my writing skills. In the first year, I also worked in a beauty salon for five hours in the morning, and later when I returned from school in the afternoon I worked there for another six hours. Although the money I earned by my own efforts was small, by saving it I could buy my favorite books, and reading all this helped me to travel in the world outside Quetta. I started a book club at my school and even succeeded in convincing the school administration to establish a library, providing access to 2,500 books and igniting a passion for reading among students.
As an Afghan girl, I have experienced a life of migration at least two times, and in response to all the inequalities that I have seen as an immigrant, I am inspired to study International Relations to support human rights. During my time in college, I am dedicated to excelling in my field and using my knowledge to make the world a better place.
By - Shabnam
