Intro Letter from an Afghan Woman

My name is Aisha, and I was born in Afghanistan. You will read part of my story in this magazine. My story has the potential to be a happy one. But right now, I’m not sure how happy the ending will be.

In the summer of 2021, I was forced to flee my home because I feared for my life. The Taliban were moving closer and closer to my village. My family and I fled to Kabul, where we hoped we would be safe. Now I live on the streets and am waiting to know my fate.

Tragically, my story is not unique. There are hundreds of thousands of people just like me. We are young people who had big dreams—dreams that we now fear won’t come true because of the Taliban, because of people who think they can decide our futures, ignorant people who don’t want us to be connected to the world, who don’t want us to explore or to read or to learn, and who don’t want women to have even the most basic human rights.

But I have hope. I am hopeful because I know that our sisters and brothers around the globe haven’t forgotten us. As you read the stories in this magazine, know that there are real people behind these words. We have real hopes and real fears.

My sisters and brothers, we know the future is uncertain. But when you keep us in your hearts, you give us hope for a happy end to our stories. Please do not let the darkness of ignorance win!

Sincerely,
Aisha

*The author’s name has been changed to protect her identity.