Gohar, a 20-year-old Afghan girl, who was only 17 when she married a 40-year-old man, now lives with two children and severe psychological pressures. In her teenage years, she dreamed of studying music and singing, but her life changed abruptly.
Dreams and Achieved Obstacles
While studying in the ninth grade, Gohar sought to learn music and secretly played the harmonium. She says, "I loved singing and everyone praised my voice wherever I sang. I wanted to finish school and go to university to learn music." However, when her father became aware of her interest in music, he reacted harshly, leading to her forced marriage to a 40-year-old man.
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Life Challenges After Marriage
Gohar, referring to her difficult living conditions, says, "From that day on, my childhood and girlhood, along with all my dreams, were buried." Now, as a mother, she bears the responsibility of two children, and this reality has forced her to endure the pains and pressures of life. Gohar explains, "I am condemned to suffer in this life for the rest of my life. I cannot leave them in this hell and free myself."
This heartbreaking narrative represents the significant challenges faced by Afghan girls. From deprivation of education to forced early marriage, Gohar is just one of thousands of girls whose dreams and aspirations have been abruptly taken from them.
On the other hand, Armineh, a 22-year-old girl who is in her final year of school, continues to pursue her dream of fashion design. She says, "As another Afghan girl, I have no hope for my country and my future." Despite family problems and economic pressures, Armineh strives to maintain her spirit through painting and designing clothes.
Armineh also mentions her night job, saying, "I am tired of being a girl." In search of a way to fulfill her dreams, she continues to engage in activities she is talented in, keeping hope alive in her heart despite the despair.
International Day of the Girl, celebrated every year on October 11, has become a bitter reminder for Afghan girls under Taliban rule. On this day, Afghan girls see no signs of celebration or attention to their rights and aspirations.
According to UNICEF statistics, more than 2.6 million girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of secondary education since the Taliban regained power in 2021. This clearly indicates the critical situation of girls in Afghanistan, whose dreams are fading day by day due to social and political conditions.
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