In this episode of The Afghan Times Podcast, we are joined by Harir Afghan, a resilient young woman whose journey of strength and perseverance is a testament to the power of hope in the face of adversity. Despite the many challenges and obstacles imposed by the current political landscape, Harir has not only survived but thrived, using her voice and talents to pave a brighter path for herself and others.
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I remain courageous, determined to banish negative thoughts and nurture hope for a brighter future.
Harir Afghan
Harir’s story begins in 2020, a time when she was eagerly awaiting her grade 11 exam results. But the world around her quickly began to crumble. The Taliban’s return to power brought with it profound changes—changes that shattered the dreams of countless young Afghan women like Harir, who were suddenly denied the right to continue their education.
“We were confined to our homes, our faith shaken, stripped of our basic right to education. The joy of sitting in classrooms, learning, and dreaming of attending university seemed to vanish overnight.”
For Harir, this moment of darkness was crushing. The dream of continuing her education became a distant hope, as the Taliban’s oppressive rule pushed her and her peers into a state of limbo. But even in the face of such overwhelming challenges, Harir refused to surrender to despair. Instead, she turned to what would become her lifeline—writing.
“Writing became a refuge, a way to express the pain and struggle that I could not speak aloud. Through words, I found my voice.”
Her pain and frustration became the fuel for her creativity, and through writing, Harir began to advocate for herself and others. She penned novels, short stories, and essays that spoke of the hardships faced by Afghan girls and women. Writing became her tool for reform, a way to make her voice heard even when speaking out was dangerous.
Through writing, I found warmth during the harshest seasons of disappointment and uncertainty. It gave me a sense of purpose, a way to push through the darkness.
Despite the ongoing hardships, Harir found ways to continue growing and developing. She worked remotely for an organization focused on capacity building and ran an online shop, both of which honed her skills in communication and networking. These accomplishments were significant in Afghan society, where success often requires tremendous courage and determination.
“Today, I am an online university student pursuing my passion in the fascinating world of media, which embodies sincerity, peace, and love.”
Alongside her studies, Harir has continued her advocacy, working with several media outlets and participating as a guest speaker to raise awareness for the rights of Afghan girls and women. However, the road has not been easy. Restrictions on media and freedom of expression have intensified, but Harir remains steadfast in her commitment to creating change.
“Despite the challenges and oppression, I have not given up. I know that God’s will, not the oppressive rules of the Taliban, will guide me out of this darkness.”
Through all her struggles, Harir has learned to rely on herself. She holds firm to the belief that positive thinking can light the way, even in the darkest of times. Her journey is one of resilience, hope, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams, despite the obstacles in her path.
“This is my story—a testament to resilient hope and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even in the face of adversity.”
Her unwavering spirit is a beacon for Afghan girls and women, proving that even in the darkest times, there is always a way to shine.
No matter how dark the times may seem, always remember that you can still find the light within yourself to keep going.
Harir Afghan
Open Mic is The Afghan Times podcast, where Afghan women share their stories in their own voices, on their own terms—open to every Afghan woman.
