
As I reflect on my journey, I’m taken back to the day that changed everything. I was in seventh grade, and the Taliban had forbidden me from pursuing further education. But I refused to give up. I continued to attend school in secret, along with a few brave friends.
That fateful day, we were huddled in our makeshift classroom when we heard the warning: “Run away or die, you have to choose one!” My heart racing, I grabbed my books and followed my friend to the wall. We climbed up, our long, black dresses torn and dirty, our hands trembling with fear.
As we stood atop the wall, I remember thinking that nothing mattered except our desire to learn. My friend clutched her books tightly, and I held mine just as close. We looked at each other, and without a word, we knew what we had to do.
With a deep breath, we jumped. Time seemed to slow down as we fell through the air. I landed with a thud, my knee bloody and bruised. But we didn’t stop. We ran, our dresses fluttering behind us, our hearts pounding with excitement.
That moment defined my resolve to fight for my rights, particularly the right to education. Growing up under Taliban rule, I witnessed firsthand the oppression of girls and women. But I refused to be silenced. Instead, I became more determined to learn, to grow, and to make a difference.
Education is the foundation of empowerment, and I believe it’s a universal right that every individual deserves. Unfortunately, many girls around the world are denied this basic right, forced into marriage, silenced, or confined to their homes. This injustice fuels my determination to make a difference.
My goal is to continue my education, achieve my dreams, and become a voice for those who are silenced. I aspire to create a world where every girl has access to education, freedom, and equal opportunities. I’m committed to studying harder, learning more, and growing into a strong advocate for girls’ education and empowerment. I know that education is a powerful tool that can change the world. I want to continue my education and work for my rights as a human and as an Afghan girl. I don’t want that day to happen once again to anyone else around the world because we want humans to be valued, to be respected and honoured as humans regardless of their gender, race or nationality.
-Tahera K.
Guest Writer
Girl Museum Inc.