Women's eNews (https://womensenews.org/author/arifa/)
Being driven away from school was devastating for third-grader Arifa. But when she learns of a new school she can attend, not even a three mile walk could stand in her way of completing her education.
Masooda wanted to be the minister of education. Mahnaz had her eyes on the prime minister seat. Malali planned on becoming mayor of Kabul. But now they are far away and I’m sure their dreams are deleted.
Young Nasimba’s marriage to an older man was her parents’ way of paying off a debt. The first time this happened in her friend’s life, writes Arifa, the results were tragic.
Forty percent of girls in Afghanistan are married before they are 18 years old, according to UNICEF, which means they do not finish their education, remain illiterate and puts them at increased childbirth related health problems. A bus ride home from school gives teen writer Arifa a direct reminder of the struggle of women and girls in her country.
How would you spend your money if you were rich? Afghan teen writer Arifa would build herself a library of books that would show her strength and courage in a country that doesn’t value the education of girls.