A Steady Voice Amidst Violence

From the ban on education to forced marriages, from domestic violence to deprivation of basic human rights, not only as a woman but as a human being.

Violence against women is one of the most serious social problems in the world, especially in developing countries like Afghanistan. This violence can be physical, psychological, economic, or sexual, and can leave deep and lasting effects on the personal and social lives of women and girls.

Unfortunately, one of the main reasons for suicide among Afghanistani girls is the lack of support and protection. When a girl becomes a victim of violence, she often has neither the strength to fight back nor access to any institution that could help or advocate for her. In such hopeless circumstances, suicide is sometimes seen as the only escape from pain and oppression.

In Afghanistan, violence against women has not decreased, conversely in many areas, it is even increasing. In the society where I live, patriarchy dominates every aspect of life. Girls and women are deprived of their most basic human rights, such as education, freedom of choice, safety, and access to essential services. Many are forced to drop out of school, enter early and forced marriages, and endure domestic violence without the right to defend themselves. Women are deprived of economic, social, and political rights, and psychological and physical violence overshadows their daily lives and future.

The harsh realities you see on social media reflect only a small part of the violence occurring in Afghanistan. We have witnessed countless suicides such as self-immolations, and mysterious murders; tragedies so painful that pen cannot write them and paper cannot bear their weight.

I raise my voice from within a society where violence against women and girls is considered normal, where forced marriage has become a culture and banning girls from education has turned into a law.

Fighting violence against women is not just a demand. It is a vital necessity for saving future generations. I want to be the voice of those girls and women who are forced into silence just to survive. I dream of building a society where women can live with safety, freedom, and dignity. This day reminds us that only through awareness, education, and collective solidarity can break the cycle of violence against women and recognize their fundamental human rights.

Let us stand united with the women and girls of Afghanistan.

– Fayeza

Letter received from our students participating in our Mentorship program. Text altered for protection of our students and for grammatical changes.