From the time I graduated from college, women’s empowerment was part of my personal and professional goals. I would say Afghanistan has the most resilient women in the world because since my childhood, I have never witnessed peace and equality for women, but I have always seen Afghan women challenge the status quo and fight to get the best education. But, it was not easy in the male dominant social and cultural environment of Afghanistan. When the Taliban began to take over Afghanistan, many people in our province already knew what I was doing in this field. I had even been attacked before for doing this work. So, when the Taliban took over our province, I already understood the risk to my life and my children.
I worked at an International Rescue Committee office. I saw many displaced people who came to the cities during the conflicts between Taliban and American troops. I worked as an Emergency help officer helping people to restart new life and help them with basic needs like clothes, dishes, blankets, Doctors, and psychological problems. I knew I would have these same problems when the Taliban took control. So, even though I did not know what to do to save myself and I did not know what our future would bring, I knew we had to leave.
You probably have heard before about the danger of Afghanistan and the Taliban. But, there is much more that people should know about Afghanistan. Afghanistan is full of beautiful nature, its beauty is endless, each province in Afghanistan has a natural beauty that is worth visiting. If there was peace there, I would tell you that Afghanistan is the best vacation location. Unfortunately, the political changes and conflicts never let Afghanistan show this face to the world. I recommend the book Life beyond Bultis by Ankur Mahjan, an Indian-Canadian writer, which tries to show this side of my country.
I personally miss everything about Afghanistan, my family, friends and coworkers. Even though I love my country, I prefer my children’s safety, especially my daughters who deserve to live free. In my life I never had the freedom I wanted socially, culturally or politically. And now, things there are much, much worse. My dreams of women’s empowerment there are gone and it seems like only the Afghanistan name is alive now.
When we decided to leave Afghanistan, I was 8 months pregnant with our fourth child. I knew we had to leave the house and everything behind for the safety of myself and my children. It was necessary to leave Afghanistan to find a secure life.
So, we made our way to the Kabul airport. We were lucky to get a chance to get on a plane to America and we took it. Because I attended the American University of Central Asia, I was confident with the English language and most of the social and cultural practices. I believe that if you are going to another country in search of a better life, language is important. I thought it would be easier for me to adjust without facing the language barrier and that my degree would be recognized here and it would be easier for me to find work.
When we first arrived, we lived on an army base in Wisconsin, where our youngest daughter was born. Then in December 2021, we moved here to Brookline and met this community.
Since we arrived, we have received a warm welcome from the government and every individual in America. As a newcomer, so many people have been supportive, therefore adjusting to the new lifestyle was much easier than I expected before my arrival. People are friendly and offer their most support when needed. It gives me hope for a better future.
As a newcomer, things are never easy and sometimes even very challenging, but we never faced the challenges alone. The guidance and support provided by your community far exceeded my expectations. We have made many classy new friends here. Stephanie and Candace helped so many ways; Mike, Jules, and Ilana, and everyone that provided things for our house and prepared it for us so that it is better than my home in Afghanistan; my dearest Leann Shamash is as kind as a good mother and adviser and a good guide for me; Dr Bruce, Dr David and Dr. Lilly have been my best friends in difficult times; Vanessa, Lesley, Vera, Suzette and Morgan helped my children and husband learn English. I appreciated their time and I am thankful. Everyone at the Kehillath Israel Nursery School and Brookline schools welcomed our children. I am so grateful that my children have already adapted to the new lifestyle and school. They found it a better place for their growth and education and we are already planning further for their future education here. The financial support and the community support made it much easier for us to adapt to the new environment quickly.
Refugees and asylum seekers here in America receive all the possible support to adjust to the new life, most of the challenges get solved and most importantly the community is supportive. While we were lucky to adapt quickly to many things here, people also need to know it only it is not like this for everyone. For some it takes a lot of time but we are lucky to be in a place where there is no discrimination toward refugees and asylum seekers as per my observation. I hope that America will continue to welcome refugees and asylum seekers and help people who are in danger for their lives.
I would like to thank everyone who supported Afghan people to find their way in the new culture and healed some of the pains for their country which lost almost everything by now. Thank you for making us part of your community.
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