How Video Journalism Opened a New Window of Possibility for Me 

Growing up as an Afghan girl, opportunities to learn, create, and express myself freely have always been extremely limited. Yet despite these limitations, I carried a quiet belief that stories, especially honest stories, hold real power. Stories can change how people think, feel, or act, and they can connect us across borders and struggles. When I joined the Video Journalism course offered by Amplify Afghan Women, I did not fully know what to expect. I only knew one thing: I wanted to learn how to share the truths of my society in a stronger and more meaningful way. Today, after completing the program, I can confidently say that this course opened a new window of possibility for me, one I had been searching for, for many years. 

Living in today’s Afghanistan, where girls are banned from school and most forms of public participation, the simple act of learning becomes an achievement. Journalism, especially for women, is not just a profession; it is a risk. A risk to safety, freedom, and sometimes even life. But silence is even more dangerous. If we wait for the situation to improve, we may wait forever. Afghan girls like me have learned that we must create our own paths, fight for our growth, and lift other girls with us so they too can benefit from knowledge. This truth became even more powerful throughout the course. 

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was the responsibility that comes with holding a camera. Before, I thought video journalism was simply about recording footage. But I realized that video journalism is a powerful tool, one that can either mislead or illuminate. In a country where many voices are silenced, the weight of this responsibility is greater. I learned that a journalist must be careful, thoughtful, and deeply respectful. A camera is not just a device; it is a voice. When I hold it now, I know I am carrying not only my story but also the stories of those who cannot speak for themselves. 

The course gave me practical skills I had never had access to. I discovered how to frame a shot with intention, capture visuals that carry meaning, and understand how lighting and angles communicate emotions without words. I shifted from simply filming movement to filming purpose, asking myself, what message am I trying to show here? What truth needs to be seen? 

Learning to write a strong and clear script was another transformative part of the course. As someone who loves writing, this section felt very close to my heart. I learned how visuals and words work together, how to keep a message focused, and how to tell a complete story in a short time. I practiced organizing my thoughts, rewriting drafts, and understanding that a script is the backbone of any powerful video. This strengthened my confidence as both a writer and a storyteller. 

Editing challenged me the most. Before this course, video editing seemed overwhelming. But the step-by-step guidance helped me break it down into something manageable. I learned how to arrange clips, adjust sound, balance transitions, and match footage with my script.

Beyond technical skills, the most powerful lesson was that Afghan women can grow, learn, and create, even under restrictions. Opportunities like this are rare, and many girls lose their dreams simply because they are denied education. This course was more than a program; it was empowerment. It reminded me that even in harsh conditions, hope can survive, and with knowledge, we can keep it alive in others too. 

One of my proudest moments was when my submitted video was selected and appreciated by the team. It may seem small, but it was proof that hard work matters and that Afghan girls can create meaningful work when given even a small window of opportunity. 

This experience strengthened my desire to continue learning video journalism. I dream of creating videos that highlight real issues in Afghan society, women’s resilience, environmental challenges, youth empowerment, displacement, and life under restrictions. I want to amplify the voices that are often ignored and create stories that carry truth and hope. Stories that remind the world that Afghanistan is not silent, its women are still speaking, fighting, and dreaming. 

Completing this course deepened my belief that media is one of the most powerful tools for raising awareness and influencing positive change. I am grateful to the Amplify Afghan Women team for creating a learning environment where girls like me can explore new skills with confidence and support. The knowledge I gained will stay with me for many years, and I will continue using it to grow, guide others, and contribute to my society.