Writings From EmpowerHer | Part 6

In early June 2026, a 19-year-old girl was taken away by the Taliban in Dasht-e-Barchi. The next day, after returning home, she took her own life. No one knows exactly what she endured during just one day of Taliban imprisonment. According to local reports, her body was covered with injuries, and she had been sexually assaulted. It is important to note that she was wearing a full hijab and simply walking to her destination when she was detained. Her only "crime" was being a girl in public.

This is just one of many stories that never make the headlines. It reflects the daily reality of countless Afghan girls whose voices are often silenced. But what is our sin? Is it simply that we are women? Women are forbidden from studying, working, speaking freely, or even appearing in public. These restrictions strip away the most basic human rights from half of Afghanistan's population.

At the beginning of June, women and girls in Herat were arrested by the Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice simply for appearing in public. On June 8, between 300 and 400 people gathered in the Jebrail district of Herat, including women, though men made up the majority of the crowd. They came together as peaceful protesters, hoping to negotiate with the Taliban. However, within minutes, the gathering was met with gunfire and violent attacks. Many people were injured, some were killed, and others remain missing to this day.

The situation for women and girls is becoming increasingly restrictive in Kabul and other cities as well. We once believed that if schools and universities were closed to us, we could continue learning through academies, online programs, and alternative educational opportunities. Now, even those options are being taken away. Women are increasingly being pushed out of public life and confined to their homes. We are left uncertain about our futures and whether there is any hope for a better life for ourselves and our families.

There have been a few protests, but honestly, what can 300 people do in one part of a city when the rest remain silent? Many Afghan families prioritize social reputation and fear of judgment over standing up for the rights of their daughters, sisters, and mothers. For some, advocating for women's rights is seen as shameful rather than necessary.

The solution to Afghanistan's challenges cannot come from outside assistance alone, nor can it come solely from a few brave girls protesting in the streets or a small group of activists raising their voices online. There is a saying that real change comes from within. Real change happens when people stand together.

Afghan women and girls need the support of their families, communities, fathers, brothers, and everyone who believes in justice and equal rights. When people unite, their voices become stronger. History has shown that change often begins with a few individuals, but it succeeds when many others join them.

At the same time, the international community has a responsibility. Governments, organizations, and leaders around the world must continue advocating for the rights of Afghan women and girls. The world must not forget Afghanistan or allow its people to be ignored.

Many people ask how ordinary individuals in other countries can help. Some believe they must do something extraordinary, but often the smallest actions matter the most. Listening to Afghan girls' stories, showing empathy, offering encouragement, or even helping them practice a few English words can make a tremendous difference. A simple message of support or a meaningful conversation can remind a girl that she is not alone and that people around the world care about her future.

Despite all these difficulties, many Afghan women and girls continue to dream, learn, and hope. They have not given up on education, freedom, or the possibility of a better future. Their courage reminds us that hope is stronger than fear. The road ahead may be long, but every act of solidarity, kindness, and support brings Afghanistan one step closer to a brighter future.

Imagine waking under the bright light of the moon, stars sparkling, and you step outside with a friend, without worrying whether it is the appropriate time for a girl to go out, whether your outfit is proper, or whether you’re sufficiently covered. You stroll through streets filled with flowers, the air alive with freedom, and you do not see a single man. Everyone around you is a woman, laughing freely. “Sultana is mannish,” they tease you, laughing loudly and saying to each other, “She is shy like a man.”

This is Sultana’s Dream, the story of Ladyland written by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who is also known as Begum Rokeya. When I read this book, it was immediately added to the shelf of my favorite books for its inspiring story for all women. 

In Sultana’s Dream, Ladyland is a feminist utopia, a society shaped by women and ruled only by women, where knowledge is power. Women are in charge of everything, and they run every aspect of life. The roles of men and women are switched.

The narrator is a woman called Sultana. One evening in Calcutta, Sultana falls asleep while thinking about the position of women in Indian society, and she sees a dream. Sultana dreams of a place called Ladyland, where women run the country, and men stay inside the house. Their religion is based on Love and Truth, and they use their brain, science to make life easier. At first, she is surprised because the streets are full of women, and there are no men outside. Later, it is explained to her that men are kept in Mardanas, a place only for men. When Sultana is out, she is not comfortable at first, thinking that a man would see her in that comfortable outfit, which is not fully covered. However, she doesn’t see any men outside. On the other hand, other girls were teasing her and saying to each other that Sultana is shy and she walks like a man. At first, she was confused, but then she understood what they meant.

In Ladyland, men are kept indoors, taking care of children, cooking, and worrying only about households — roles assigned to women in many traditional societies. When Sultana goes to the kitchen, she sees that men are cooking and sewing. When they saw her, they all stopped their work and immediately left the kitchen as a woman visitor was there.

When the country was attacked in the past, the women used their intelligence and scientific inventions to protect Ladyland and win the war. After that, men stayed at home. Sultana meets the Queen and visits Ladyland's schools, laboratories, and gardens. She is amazed by how beautiful, peaceful, and advanced the country is, with the streets full of colorful flowers, which she didn’t even want to step on. Just as she wants to learn more, she wakes up and realizes it was all a dream.

While reading this story, I felt captivated and empowered, imagining myself living in such a world. But when the dream ended, and Sultana woke up, I felt broken and discouraged — reminded me of how cruelly women are treated in reality, reminded me of the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. I wonder how a man would feel when they read this story? Would they be able to really understand women? If they switch their roles with women for only one day, can they really survive it? This book took me to an imaginary world that filled me with genuine joy and happiness, even if it was only for a short time. I didn't want to finish the book because I loved that world and didn't want it to end. At the same time, I couldn't stop turning the pages because I was eager to know what would happen next.

I believe the author has written this story to show men how it feels to be a woman in a patriarchal society. She herself was also a woman living in a society controlled by men, and I can understand how it feels to live in such a society. Maybe she could only take her revenge from men through her writing, a terrible revenge as it was described by her husband. Rokeya, who was living in a traditional society, showed this story to her husband. Her husband read it and admired her writing. He was impressed and called that “a terrible revenge” from men, from those in support of patriarchy.

I wish the dream of Ladyland, that perfect imaginary world, comes true, but with a change: a world where men and women work side by side, sharing responsibilities equally, without humiliation or injustice.

I wish that whisper of the wind through women’s hair no longer be our concern, but rather how we can progress toward a brighter, equal future.

Every person is born with dreams, but not everyone is given the same freedom to achieve them. In many countries and societies, men and women do not have equal rights in education, employment, and society. Some people argue that women and men should not have equal rights and opportunities in society. They believe that gender should determine people's roles and opportunities. However, I believe that gender should not determine a person's freedom or future because everyone deserves equal access to education, employment, and personal choice.

I strongly believe that education is an essential right for everyone. Women should not lose their education, rights, or dreams simply because of their gender. Gender cannot be a reason to limit girls or boys. Unfortunately, in some societies, women do not have the right to go to school, attend university, or work outside the home because of their gender. I believe that gender should never be a reason for such limitations. A girl should not lose her dreams because she is a girl, and she should not be deprived of education because of her gender. All humans are equal and deserve the opportunity to learn and grow.

Everyone has the right to gain knowledge. However, in some countries, women and men do not have equal rights in education. For example, in Afghanistan, many girls and women are deprived of education because of their gender. Some people claim that religion does not support women's education, but this is not true. Islam encourages both men and women to seek knowledge. Therefore, depriving girls of education cannot be justified. There are many girls with valuable talents and abilities. Gender should not prevent women from gaining knowledge and education.

Another reason why gender should not determine a person's future is that women are capable of contributing greatly to society through their work. A woman can be a doctor, a teacher, a journalist, or a leader. However, in some places, women may be denied employment simply because they are women, while a man with less experience or talent may receive opportunities more easily. This is unfair and harmful to society.

I believe that a society cannot fully develop without the participation of women. Women should have the right to work, show their talents, and develop their skills. Because women are an important part of every community, they should have equal rights to work and earn money just like men. Their gender should not be a reason to ignore their talents and abilities. Women can contribute to society just as much as men. Therefore, everyone should have equal opportunities to work, earn a living, and help improve their community.

Everyone also has the right to choose their own path in life. Everyone is born free and deserves personal choice and freedom. Gender should not limit anyone when making important decisions about their future. Freedom and personal choice help people become successful and improve their lives. They also allow individuals to contribute positively to their communities.

For example, when a girl is free to choose her own path, she can discover her dreams and work toward achieving them. As a result, she can improve both her own life and the lives of others around her. Every person, regardless of gender, has the ability to make the world a better place. Limiting a person because of their gender can lead to the loss of talent and potential. Therefore, everyone should have personal freedom and the opportunity to improve their community.

In conclusion, because all people are born free, everyone should be able to choose their own path and pursue their dreams regardless of gender. Every person should have the right to gain knowledge, work, and make personal choices about their future. Freedom and future should not be determined by gender. A society can improve by providing equal rights and opportunities for women and men. When everyone is free to develop and share their talents, society becomes stronger, fairer, and more successful.

I am homesick,

like a bird in a cage,

that does not know whether to fly or to stay,

if it flies, its wounded body leads only to death,

if it does not fly, it is condemned to the cage until its final breath,

Longing is crushing my bones,

I am between two walls,

with every movement, I feel the sound of my bones breaking,

as if the god of this body made nothing but bones,

the wounds are larger,

and so much deeper,

I feel no pain,

because pain and wounds have become my companions,

I am only suffering!

Home does not call for me,

because it despises my face, the texture of my hair, and my morning chirping,

In fact, I despise the trees,

one day they are full of life, and another day they are weary,

I watched them turn yellow,

"They say everyone becomes like the place they belong to."

I, too, became like my nest: yellow,

tired, lonely, speechless, and still,

Has any ear heard me?

Has any eye seen me?

Has any tongue spoken of me?

I do not know!

The dew-covered leaves danced for me,

they laughed,

and in the end, they flew into the sky with the morning breeze,

I watched them,

I waved goodbye,

there was no sign of him,

I looked toward him and I wept,

for myself,

for my loneliness,

for my poor self,

I wept an ocean,

the whirlpool I created swallowed me,

I struggled among the drops of my own tears,

the tears in my eyes are suffocating me,

with my own hands, I walked toward my own ruin,

a road from which there is no return,

I, too, became one of those who never returned,

This was it!

The story of a silent bird!