Girls have been banned from receiving secondary education, the ministry for women’s affairs has been disbanded, and in many cases women have been told not to return to work.
Here, Afghan women whose lives have been radically transformed exchange letters with global leaders with whom they share a profession or a passion, including education activist Malala Yousafzai, fashion icon Halima Aden, and football star Megan Rapinoe.
They openly talk about their hopes and fears, and share thoughts on the restrictions on women’s freedoms imposed by the Taliban – the right to protest, work, get an education, or choose what to wear.
The women taking part in this ‘Urgent Letters of Afghanistan’ series are all named on the BBC 100 Women list. Some of the women are anonymous, to protect them and their families.
Every morning now when I wake up, I think I am late for school, but then I have the sad realisation that my school is shut. I watch as the rickshaw arrives to take my brothers to school, whilst I am left behind.
I watch the news hoping to hear that schools will be opening in my area, and I might be able to chat to my friends and teachers. I feel such sorrow that we are deprived of this very basic right to an education just because we are women.
I worry about my former female teachers. They are the sole breadwinners of their families and haven’t received a salary for months.
I try my best to teach myself things, but it’s so difficult without a teacher. I long to do experiments in our science laboratory again and take part in the public speaking competitions I once enjoyed.
As a child my dad would cultivate my love for learning, by bringing me cartoon strips in English to read or encouraging me to watch science shows on TV. That’s why science and English are my favourite subjects now.
I hope the world and international community will not forget about us, and not let our years of hard work go to waste. I hope the world will speak up for us too, and will help us get rights for women and girls in Afghanistan.
I want you to know you are not alone. I remember seeing men with guns invade my home in Pakistan and shut down girls’ schools. I know what it’s like to not know what tomorrow will bring, to fear never returning to a classroom.
When the Taliban took over Kabul, I was in the hospital for my sixth surgery in nine years to help repair the damage their bullet inflicted. I watched the news and saw Afghan women and girls protesting on the streets demanding equal rights. My heart ached watching history repeat itself.
If all girls went to school, we could assume leadership roles across every sector. We could better advocate for ourselves. We could also help make our world better. More educated women contributing could help speed up progress on things like vaccine development or finding climate solutions. I want to see this future.
As I fight for education and equality each day, I will think of you — with your love of science and a father, who like mine, wants to see you learn and lead. I promise to keep sharing your story and continue calling for action.
