FIGHTING FOR GIRLS’ EDUCATION, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Afghanistan has notoriously become the world’s only country where girls are forbidden from attending secondary schools solely because of their gender. For Human Rights Watch, I photographed and filmed prominent Afghan women about what education means to them to draw attention to the issue. See photographs and films of their stories below.
“Please do not forget Afghanistan in this crisis situation and support the women in Afghanistan”. - Zhara Joya, Journalist.
Link here to view the Human Rights Watch article.
This video is a collection of the women's stories about their own educational journey and why it has been so impactful in their lives.
Yalda Hakim is a correspondent for BBC World News. Yalda left Afghanistan when she was a child and was educated in Australia.
“I am very much aware of the fact that had my parents not left Afghanistan, I, too, like millions of Afghan girls and women in the country, could have been denied the right to an education.”
Tamana Ayazi is an Afghan filmmaker who has recently left the country for fear of her life.
“Closing the school doors will not help the people of Afghanistan…even Taliban, will regret this later.”
Zahra Joya is an Afghan journalist originally from Bamiyan province. When Zahra was a child, girls were not allowed to go to school. So to get an education Zahra dressed up as a boy and went to school.
“Please do not forget Afghanistan in this crisis situation and support the women in Afghanistan”.
Sahar Fetrat works for Human Rights Watch in the women's division. Sahar left Afghanistan to study for a BA and PhD.
“If I have one thing to tell the world, I want everyone to advocate for the rights of Afghan girls and let Afghan girls learn.”
Heela Yoon is an Afghan woman who has founded her own organisation supporting Afghans to find peace, security and sustainability in their communities. For Heela, education helped her build confidence and understand her capabilities.
“Afghan women are half of the society, and if they don’t have education, I don’t think we can contribute much to the prosperity of the country.”
Elaha Soroor is a musician and made her first appearance on a reality singing competition, 'Afghan Star'. Elaha is passionate about girls' education and understands from first-hand experience the doors it can open.
“You cannot close education, you cannot close this door, because people already know what is waiting for them on the other side.”