Woman, Beyond a Day on the Calendar

A personal essay published by Hasht-e Subh on International Women's Day questions why women are commemorated only once a year, portraying them as integral to daily life through stories of patience, resilience and hope.

The author recounts growing up in a household where her mother's voice emanated primarily from the kitchen, her cooking infused with affection. The mother expressed regret over her illiteracy, unable to read shop signs or pharmacy names without assistance. She noted that in her era, schools existed but her own mother prioritized livestock care and household duties over education. In the village, few girls attended school due to insecurity, fear and societal beliefs that educated women might shun domestic work.

The author describes her 2021 school routine in Mazar-i-Sharif, leaving home at 12:45 p.m. in heavy burqa, chapan and chador amid hot weather, finding relief only in class. Upon dismissal, gray cars with monitors ensured girls wore burqas properly.

In 2022, schools for girls above sixth grade closed pending further orders, ushering prolonged uncertainty. Peers who once discussed university aspirations became mothers, deprived of opportunities for independence. Over five years, bans on secondary and higher education for girls have closed doors to dreams, fostering silent sorrow and inner fatigue among them.

The essay frames these restrictions as more than educational barriers, impacting mental health and futures, yet maintains that Afghan women embody more than suffering, with hope enduring.