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What women in Afghanistan want you to know | Start Here
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- Published on Aug 29, 2022 verƶffentlicht
- From fear and disillusion to hope and defiance - every Afghan woman and girl has her own take on what life is like after a year under the Taliban. Sandra Gathmann has been hearing from some, in this second episode of #AJStartHere on the road - in Afghanistan.
š£ ICYMI š£Check out Sandraās other episode from Afghanistan: Can the Taliban fix Afghanistanās economic crisis? ā¢ Can the Taliban fix Af...
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I literally have no words... I cannot even imagine a life without education and goals... These all women are so strong
It would be like every other developing society in the past. Women don't need to be politicians or doctors in order for society to progress. They help increase the population so they can improve societies conditions.
And we can all learn some lessons from them and I do..
They do have goals tho'. For taliban women's goal only to get husbands
So brave and full of hope, really inspiring! I hope life gets better for Afghans . Great reporting btw
So sad to know of the life each Afghan girl lives in the country under the cruel ruling of the Taliban. These girls spoke courageously with smiling faces that one day every girl in Afghan will live a happy life like every one. God bless you all the women in Afghanistan..
Agree, but I think this taliban is a lot more calmer than taliban of the past but hope things change. I checked Quran and it never tells women to cover their face or hair as an obligation, all it says to cover their bodies and dress modestly, and never addresses the hair, though its optional
@Rehan Chowdhury sorry to inform you but as an Arabic speaker, it does 100%
ā@Gegee As an obligation it addresses bossoms, private part and body as mandatory, hair is not addressed as mandatory though it mentions bring your kummur and cover the bossoms, thats all it says meaning head cover is not applicable at all times, had it been obligatory the verse would of said tell your women to cover your hair, face, bossoms, body, which it never mentions it. Also khummur means many things and head cover is one of them.
They did it to themselves. If they wanted a different life, they should have raised different sons. We gave them twenty years: enough time to raise an entire generation who would respect women's rights. They chose not to.
@Rehan Chowdhury youāre wrong
Great reporting, great editing. It's rare to find hope in Afghan women, so glad to see a few positive rays. More strength and power to Afghan women, hope the Taliban understand the power of love and kindness. Religion is to unite people, to benefit people not dictate them.
Praying for the Afghan people. I hope someday the country will overcome all their struggles. And maybe someday Afghanistan will open its doors to the world to know more about their culture and their country. Insha Allah.
It was normal when they had a normal king
How strong they are ā¤
With all of those difficulties still smiling and hopeful
So strong they cant get their rights
ā@MrYo888779if you lived in a Islamic country you wouldn't have any rights either
So nice to see the women of that country are so courageous and hopeful for the future. Excellent reporting!
Or bias and brought ššš Don't praise them too much just like the Resistance army they will also fall in to pieces...
@Sadat Khan Why are you so evil?
Thank you for showing an unopinionated glimpse into the thoughts of these women and girls. The strength is encouraging.
Yes, many people don't know anything about Afghanistans but some picked pictures from the news and they think we Afghans want this terror group to rule which we of course don't want at all.
I'm an Afghan girl born, grown up and studied in Afghanistan. My grandmother was a teacher my mother a dentist assistant in Herat Afghanistan and we are absolutely not a rich but a very average family in Afghanistan.
When you see a terror group ruling in Afghanistan it's because it's supported by many countries which make profit from the war in Afghanistan. And terror groups need an blind society to rule on which is exactly the reason why all terror group firstly attack on girls and womens rights since women are the roots of a society. Educated Women will not just make 50% of a society but they also will raise the other 50% of the society which are men.
Afghanistan is more and more based everyday
@Bahar Afghanzad Who are those terror groups?
@St.Forward
The txliban txrrorists of course. Dealing with txliban txrrorists is exactly like dealing with isis. There is absolutely no difference.
They are trying so hard to rebuilt their country. Give them a chance. Funny how until today we keep hearing about how women are being mistreated in US. You should go there for yourself. You will be suprised how wrong you are about them
These girls/women are so brave and an inspiration to watch. I wish they achieve whatever dreams they have and live the life they deserve ā¤ā¤ā¤
These men are so threatened by educated, independent women.
Sure are, nothing new. z world would be quite a different place if men werenāt in chargeā¦
@NevadaGrace amen
Not really you dont understand the real issues. This is nothing but a much repeated cliched statement. Its about society at large and maintaining the integrity of both men and women.
Wonderful reporting, and may peace be with these girls for speaking from their hearts.
yes all those peace and heart are saving them.
How do you know they are speaking from their hearts?
@InterTalks Medieval people did not know the function of the brain. They think memories are stored in the heart
I feel very sorry for Afghan people.
I think Afghan people are brave and they can overcome this situation. Love from India.
These woman are so brave, and deserve their place in society. Blessings to them .
Congratulations for this reporting about the conditions of the urban Afghan women, which constitutes around 20% of the Afghan population. Of course, the rest 30% living in rural Afghanistan, whose conditions & plight you have ignored. Only Al Jazeera can explain the reason. Therefore, this narrative relates to and is confined to the aspirations of urban, educated women only. Nonetheless, your efforts are praise worthy.
In your next reporting, please include the rural women also.
What does rural women want that is different from urban? do they not want to work? be free from patriarchy? development?
It's very sad when women are not just treated unequally but they are also forced to follow these unequal practices in this era.
And even more sad part is that the world is silent on this especially the Islamic Organisation Countries
@WaveRider I think it meant, that the girls and women we see in this report are educated, strong and hopeful, they look well dressed and sit in nice houses. In fact they look better than I imagined (and no burqas so far). I believe women in rural places, feel weaker, worry more about food and health, don't even dream about democracy and education. I would think they are very desperate.
@Goo-Lamo ka Doctor I think your last sentance in true. Western countried are percieved as enemies being non-islamic and modern, their views about what happanes in Afganistan is not important for the Taliban goverment. The main help can come from islamic countries. Problem is - how many islamic countries out there are actually thriving and can be a model and assistant for Afganistan?
@Goo-Lamo ka Doctor it has Allah say in his verse sound like:
Quran, Surah Ar-Ra'd, 13:11:
Dr. Mustafa Khattab (The Clear Quran Translation):
.....Indeed, Allah would never change a peopleās state Ė¹of favourĖŗ until they change their own state Ė¹of faithĖŗ....
Sahih International Translation:
....Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves....
We do the best but they, they never want to change that attitudes... what can we do?! We are weak because lack of powers, duas (the prays) is our can we do right now for this conditions right now...
I am so proud of these brave, articulate, and intelligent women. Afghan women are tough. They have endured so much and they still have hope. The Taliban should know that they are dealing with a different Afghanistan. As the Taliban were being trained by their Pakistani/Arab masters; plenty of Afghan girls and women became educated and independent. Now these women dare to speak up for their rights. What a difference between the women and the Taliban representative in this video. The ladies were logical, educated, and articulate. The Talib was clearly uneducated and couldnāt provide reasonable answers. Long live Afghan girls and women. Death to the barbaric Taliban.
Keep fighting for your rights, women of Afghanistan! You will prevail eventually.
Any Muslim who does not at least consider dating a Serbian or American girl , ( āļø ) is eather crazy or gay. I mean,look what their guys did to our girls in the aggression on us. I would gladly date one,and have my time,but i cant because this coward U.S government targeted me and ruined my life. They are not superior to me and had no right to this. Shame.Iraq,Afghanistan,Bosnia,Hiroshima ?!
Let's hope our younger generation keep teaching us and doing their best to make it a better world for all of us.
Respect, they are so brave, just fight for your right, as a muslim women born and raised in Europe I can only give you my support and Iām praying for you every day to achieve what you are looking for.ā¤ā¤ā¤
My heart breaks for these beautiful women. They deserve so much more. May god bless them all. ššā¤ļøā¤ļøšÆš³
Their words of hope resonates so strong -especially in the mother tongueā¤
(Edited) I always wished and dreamed of a world where men and women are beyond equal and special. Where everyone is nice to each other and not waste time on negativity. A world where there is infinite freedom and boundaries. A life where everyone is nice to you because you simply deserve all the love in this world. A family that sees your growth and you for who you areā¦. and people supporting and praying for each other together forever. ā¤
What a delusion on this temporary world.
My prayers for all these powerful women. Soon things will be better and in your favour. Love from India.
I'm from India too watching this breaks my heart, women and girls bearing the brunt of men's disputes š¢ hope they can get their freedom to work and study back I'm absolutely gutted for them š
Heartbroken and Sorry to see my brothers/sisters going through these dark days.
As the father of two strong daughters and two strong granddaughters it saddens me greatly that women are treated this way regardless of the cause. Religion, culture or just plain old ignorance. The Afghan army was given everything they needed but lacked the motivation to fight for their own freedom and chose instead to lay down their weapons and walk away. I bet if these strong women were in the military they would have stood up to the Taliban and fought for their freedom.
I'm positive of that. They would have definitely fought because they had something to fight for while those dudes felt much wouldn't change for them, their freedoms wouldn't be messed with.
Great story. Thanks for sharing your insights. Hope life can get better for the women.
click this link thatās great news. Such a beautiful country, hope things keep improving for them. Theyāve been through so much already.
Iām proud of the Afghanistani courage women š¦š«ā¤ļøāš„š«¶
Rights for all women of the world. Much love to Afghanistan Women from America ā¤ļø
spot on
Your country destroyed Afghanistan
Do you have any rights? And what is your defination of rights when America has a very high rape percentage% compared to Afghanistan?
Bread and work first
I live in the UK and am so embarrassed to say that as a 44year old women I avoided school and education and that's all these girls want makes me now few ashamed and realise how lucky I was
For women in Iran...
For Ukrainian women...
For Syrian women...
For Afghan women...
For Turkish women...
For all oppressed women
Baraya
And also for women inā¦
Pakistan
Iraq
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Israel
Palestine
ā@Sapphic SapienIndia ??
For all oppressed people.
ā@Sapphic Sapienwhat is the problen in sri lanka sri lanka is majority buddhist countries because of economic crisis
They are some problems,but we has no problem in education,we have good literally rate,we don,t have any discrimination agains women like in islamic countries or india,
Whenever I hear Afganistan poverty, hunger, and jobless come into my mind; but my country is the same.
Its like that From soviet and american invasions
@Proud Celt Afghanistan has been like that for thousands of years, long before the inventions called soviets and Americans. Geography is unchanging. So are the local people for the most part. Probably the longest regional peace was under the Mongolian khanates but that was long ago. If the world can keep its hands off it long enough, the taliban, basically just a tribe, will lose its grip, but that takes a lot of timeā¦and suffering.
@UserJJ6, naw bruh, you canāt seriously be blaming the current Taliban treatment of Afghanistan women on Russian and American military involvement there? Thatās absurd.
@Proud Celt No, actually theyāve treated their women like that before either the Soviets or Americans ever stepped foot in their lands. Try again.
I am praying for you all my sisters I can imagine how strong you are to face that. Love from šøš“ and šØš
I love her spirit. "why should I be afraid?" š
Awesomely documented, very inspiringšš
Proud of you powerful women of my countryā¤ļøā¤ļøšŖ
Afghan women are still hopeful for the future that they will make for Afghanistan. They just need support from the world, they need to be heard and seen like other women fighting anywhere else in the world.
The girls are a source of strength to the world. We respect you from our hearts.
Hope never dies, keep motivated to learn more. Good Luck ladies!š
West put the Afghanistanis (not afghans) to fight for the democracy and then just left all for the afghans(pashtoons=taliban)
They gonna be the best moms
May the Afghan girls achieve all the best things in the world.
10:00 wow. She is inspiring and a strong young lady. šā¤ļø
She is so pretty
5:54 I'm in love with this lady, Her confidentš„ her way of talkš„ her opinions & Criticismš„ everything is on point
I think she is still too religious and does not represent the majority of us Afghan women who want Freedom like the younger women were talking about.
Would she be open for people rejecting the Islam? From her statements I don't think so.
I wish Afghanistan all the best. I hope they can figure themselves out. š¦š«
Appreciate you my compatriots Afghan woman girls
Standing strong then ever šš
This is commendable (reporting on the situation). I just fear possible retaliation for the women speaking out. Hopefully this doesn't happen to them.
Freedom is the weapon tyrants fear. Dear women,you have it all. You will rise and shall bloom from wherever you stand. Above hate,stand tall.
I'm supporting Afghan women for fighting for their future continues to be firm on what they thought it is good for them and their children šæš¦
Why are you encouraging women to "fight" against their government. Afghanistan is not like the USA where men can marry men and women can marry women.
A big thank you for your work, I love your reports and I hope that other media will be inspired by them.
I feel sorry for those brave women being abused for centuries in name of a religious believe, hopefully the change comes soon enough for to stop that madness it seems those men have forgotten they came from a brave woman I feel sick watching what they have done and how proud they appeared after
It's not in the name of religious belief*, it IS religious belief that's the problem
@FactStorm anything that involves the imaginary sky daddy is not good.
Love afganistan from india ā¤ļø
Obsessed with gaining superiority makes us forget that in commerce, business and politics, a monopole situation does not exist. Ignoring the need to negotiate a balance always results in an implosion.
ššš
They are all so beautiful, inside and outside, so strong-hearted, intelligent and inspirational. Please may their dreams come true
Thanks for keep reporting. I hope those brave women stay safe ā¤ļø
as a Muslim, I wanna say, our prophet told us, don't be exaggerated with religion. cover means don't show up obscene and stay decent. that not means wear a burka. we have to stay decent, but if someone doesn't like covering, don't wear a burka but she has to wear a decent dress. but the Taliban is exaggerated with religion and doesn't wanna give women's rights........
during Prophets time burqa was worn during a war period as not only Muslim, Jews and Christians worn so for safety of not being recognised who is Muslim or Christian, it wasn't a religious obligation, but it has been incorporated to Islam as if it was prescribed by Islam for all times. When I read the Quran on Hijab it never addresses women must cover their hair or face, it addresses mainly their body and chest as an obligation.
You should also make documentery on poverty and how to get support from UN Countries rather than small communities, which has their dreams to live abroad at any cost.
Wdym
maybe if the "religion of peace" changed their ideology there wouldn't be much poverty
@Siren Maybe if the āpeacefulā west didnāt interfere in our matters we wouldnāt have poverty.
Freedom these people deserve
Very interesting, they interviewed rich and affluent woman. Not normal Afghan lady. Keep it up. But we like to know the thought and feeling of countryside people
This is an important point to note . Talibans themselves have women in thier community .
Normal afghan lady is a widow who is begging on the streets
@W A the reality of the muslim world is that a LOT of common working class women are muslim conservatives .
So sometimes there is a clash between more upper class liberal types of women vs the conservative women population of the nation .
A conservative muslim mother herself .. doesn't like the idea of giving her daughter enough freedom ( and absolutely NO western style freedom ) .
Need to know a culture and it's people before interfering .
@Rahat Zaman culture is not set in stone, it changes and people change. If they want western culture then they will adopt western culture it is their choice, you donāt own your daughters or women, they are free independent individuals who can do whatever they want and have the right to do so. They are not your slaves. Just because you donāt like western culture or donāt like things about it doesnāt mean everybody else should follow your preference. And donāt sit there and act like Eastern Culture is anything special, itās the only culture where women are killed or jailed for being victims of rape, only culture where parents force their daughters to marry people they donāt want to be married to, eastern culture is the only culture where your rights are not respected lol so stop
This kind of videos is the reason I like Al Jazeera. Even though it sometimes follow the westās mumbo jumbo, AJ always looks at the world in a different way
AJ looks at the world in first the Islamic way and after the Qatar way.
@Luis G. Then thatās Based.
@Bonnie They aren't shouting their news to a small crowd from a donkey, the traditional Islamic way.
They are using Western mumbo jumbo (technologies) cameras equipment, electronics, radio transmissions, Internet broadcasting equipment.
And the English language.
That's why aj is the best news channel. It captures all about the current situation
Freedom for these women from cruel oppression and tyranny
Incredible journalism from aljazeera as always
May God protect them :'((
he already protecting them.
The problem is people think that raising a family and taking care of your children is anything little less important
We need to stay out of others business , religion and culture is a sensitive thing , not everyone is us
@Bonnie says who ??
@Patty Nellis Objective reality.
@Patty Nellis Cool, as soon as they stay out of everyone else's.
U still need education to raise families
Thank you for introducing us to these lovely young ladies and women of Afghanistan. We pray their dreams come true and that the Taliban will not dampen them, but realise that dumbing down half the population in today's world is a recipe for disaster for their country. We Women have so much to offer, and now that they have had 20 years of freedom, to confine them to 4 dark walls will create untold mental ill health in their communities. Men want happy contented wives and daughters surely!
very good report. you are exploring the real face of the whole world. Thank you al jazeera .
Real face of the Taliban.
The women's and girls smile is like magic that can give everyone courage
Wonderful report, it's sad watching the state of women in Afghanistan. My thoughts are with them. The shouldn't stop fighting for gender equality.
You concerned of Afghan women.
Thank God Taliban are here
Gender equality ? U goofball š
I always love your reports ā„ļø
Great reportā¦..thank you šš»
I salute the peole of Afghan, their resiliency and determination too admirable...
These beautiful women and girls are so strong minded...Insha'Allah all will be fine soon.
Is Allah sleeping?
03:20 huge respect for her
š
Makes me sad to see these intelligent and beautiful young ladies not getting enough education without their will but forced. Hopefully, it changes soon, so ladies will be able to have equal freedoms.
The Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan, commonly known as the US-Taliban deal or the Doha Accords, was a peace agreement signed by the United States and the Taliban on 29 February 2020 in Doha, Qatar, to bring an end to the 2001-2021 war in Afghanistan, but now Both Side ( US and Taliban) Break Away from Agreement .
These women are drastically valiant.
Go AJ! Excellent vignette and work. Keep it going!
I hope they never give up because it's their rights
Freedom for women ā¤
Such sweet women ! They have hope ! Me too! Live in Afghanisthan does not have to be like life in the West....they should be happy and I hope they soon get more opportunities for education! This should be supported from Western countries
But supported how? By engaging Afghanistan, or by isolating and sanctioning it?
@Myah Soodinim Only giving material directly to those who need it. Like medication directly to the Patients.
If something is given, it has to be given to those who need it under eye controll
Silly people support Taliban
1. Banning boxing
2. Banning music
3. Banning drawings
4. Banning photography
5. Banning movies
6. Banning women high-heeled shoes that produce a sound
7. Banning women showing their hair
8. Banning women wearing perfume
9. Banning women going out
10. Banning women to breathe after stoning
Wonderful young women š
I love Afghan culture and Afghanistan people and I love al Jazeera English News channel is one of the world most famous and to correct guide the Muslim Nation I'm from Pakistan
We take so much for granted. I never even thought I was privileged to get a good education. I was so naive.
These women are so strong one day all your wishes come true Allah will help u in this tough situation
Great economic policy. Getting rid of half the working force. Women can also give a different perspective on progress since among many things think about family first etc.
their country, their rules, dont go to other people's houses and start judging and telling them how they need to run it. i remember reading about ancient explorers and travellers, how impartial their views are when they came accross totally alien cultures and customs, no judgements nor acted in a patronizing manner, they simply observed and noted, unlike in the modern age where all these people are brainwashed into thinking they must somehow change other cultures to be more like theirs, disgusting.
You being Able to Interview them says a Million words .
Great coverage!
Taliban Government at 2:45 - "It is simple, I don't currently have that many buildings even."
Reporter's counter question should have been on behalf of Afghan women - "Why should 'your lack of something' become the reason for their lack of education?"
Great report, thank you.
These women are the strongest of them all.
It's not all about Wearing Hijab/Dresses. It's all about they forget about that. Just like we forget about our culture and we don't want to push back our selves to our culture like wearing Dhoti-Kurta. Like we feel shame to speak our local languages to others. It's only about what do you learn and what do you get by others/invaders/intruders. But also it's not all about Sharia. When you forget about your past. You never accept.
When the spokesman for the ministry of virtue was talking about how some people are not fully educated in Sharia, I got the impression that he was not referring to the women, but to members of the Taliban. But he could not say that openly.
Iām wondering how much educated is he and how can he measure education? Because I have seen many people from those countries have a masters certificate but nothing in their brain or they only know the subject but no other knowledge.
True ..I felt that too.
@M M well nobody in these countries really has the mindset of the truly knowledgable. For that one needs an upbringing in a non-judgemental humanistic environment. No country can truly say they have that kind of pure environment but in these countries it is non-existant
@Nivedita Bhattacharjee A "non-judgemental humanistic environment" is an impossibility. Judgement is a crucial part of the human experience.
Highly doubtful, what he most likley meant was some people, probably young people who grew up around the western presence which was there for 20 years, have fallen away from the true islam and need to be educated regarding sharia practices that weren't allowed or widely observed during the western occupation.
If Taliban or any patriarchalic society want women to be silent, then they have to be their voice and represent her interests as well as their own. There is absoulutely nothing in Islam that prevents a woman to assist her husband / family in their work with the best of her qualifications possible and to get these qualifications through studies so that she can spend her quality time at the side and near her dearest ones for support as much and as good as possible. If Taliban separate genders too much, they wonĀ“t find peace in their homes and then; if this happens - what was their victory good for?
š you don't get to dictate the rules š® in a patriarchy sorry š¢
I am egarly waiting for watching this amazing programme i have no enough words to express how much beauty of this show is.
I canāt believe how horrible it is there .
Sorry but how are any safer in the USA? I live in NYC & it's beyond disgusting how women, and myself included, face daily verbal sexual passive harassment and objectified due to my western attire? Please tell me how? If you live in many countries as I did (including SA), you will realize how women, children and even men suffer differently but equally everywhere.
@Irma Iz Are you joking?
@Irma Iz šjust shift to afganistan
@Irma Iz are you seriously comparing new york City to Afghanistan?
It will benefit Afghanistan if they let women work. So that they can also support their families. And contribute to the household and the country. Especially women who have lost their husband's. They must let all women study. As we know that women is quick learners.
it's better for economy if they stay home
@Muslim Why just them?
How about this.
āItās better for the economy if everyone stays homeā
Pathetic . Being a teacher myself I really can feel the girl students frustration
As ı boy and ı living in Turkey. I hate Taliban and ı m so sorry for all of things. The women of afganishan are so strong. I belive them. I wish they are saw the good days for future. š
It would be interesting if Afghan women were given more freedom to travel to other countries. I imagine that the Taliban might allow that - maybe only if there was a male guardian.
Of course, language and education level would create difficulties. But even so, it would be interesting to see what proportion of them would leave Afghanistan if given the chance.
Perhaps not that many. Since being in a new country alone and without one's family and friends would likely be frightening. But even then, it would be interesting to have it be possible.
They choose their destiny of their country.. International world can't change them if more than half of them proud with what they believes...their right to choose what is good for their life
š®š³ i Love you MY iNDiA š®š³
š¦š« Afghanistan nice people's š¦š«
In Afghanistan the situation may be more divided. But in places like Western Europe I have seen women protesting that are pro hijab. Western culture and hijabs cannot coexist. In an open and free society, ppl facial expression, the eyes, lips and total face are essential in meaningful interaction. Women are equals and must be able to experience true, open western transaction. There is no room for closed off, crazy ritual and demeaning practices
Who are you to say that women in hijab arenāt equal to men? I know many women who have never felt more free in there hijab. Both men and women in Islam are told to lower their gaze and guard their chastity not only women. You guys want to see them uncover and want to see their beauty but cannot and that is what makes you all so angry.
ā@Soaad that's important beauty is... When you build conversation facial expressions do play a lot..