Living as a young girl in Afghanistan has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. In Afghanistan, my rights as a girl are severely restricted. We are not allowed to study, we have limited freedom to move around, and we are controlled in almost every aspect of our lives. The fear and limitations are heavy burdens that many girls like me carry everyday. But in these circumstances, what does freedom mean for me?
For me, freedom means the right to make decisions about my own life. It means the ability to choose my education, my clothes, and the path I want to take in life without fear of punishment or restriction. Freedom means being able to step out of my home and live without the constant fear of the Taliban or other societal pressures. It means having the power to learn, to work, and to contribute to society without being limited by my gender.
Right now, I am unable to experience these freedoms. Every day I live in a world where my basic rights are ignored. I am constantly afraid to leave my home because of the risk of facing violence or punishment. The idea of wearing the clothes I like or choosing my future career feels like a dream that is far out of reach.
Freedom, for me, is not just about physical movement; it is about mental and emotional liberation. It is about being able to make choices for myself without fear, to be recognized as an equal member of society, and to pursue my passions and dreams without anyone telling me I can’t.
I dream of a future where I can study freely, express myself, and have the ability to choose a career and lifestyle based on my own aspirations. I want to live in a world where I am not judged or oppressed for being a girl, where I can speak my mind, and where I can be whoever I want to be.
For now, my dreams of freedom are held back by the chains of fear and oppression. But I believe that the desire for freedom, the hope for a better future, will continue to grow inside me, and it will drive me to push for change—both for myself and other girls in Afghanistan who share the same struggles.
– Aqila
Letter received from our students participating in our Mentorship program. Name and text altered for protection of our students and for grammatical changes.
