The U.S. Government Doesn’t Care About Afghan Women

Maj. Danny Sjursen / Truthdig Aug 13, 2019 The phony concern for their rights in the wake of a potential U.S. military withdrawal is a canard. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Young Afghan Girls Share Their World Through Photography

By Mariam Alimi / Sahar Speaks Feb 2, 2017 A female photojournalist whose photo of a farmer became famous in 2004 provides workshops for teenage girls in the hopes that they, too, will find success. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Why Stoning Is Still Used in Afghanistan

By Parastoo Saqib / Sahar Speaks Feb 1, 2017 Although officially banned, this Islamic practice has gained popularity as the environment worsens for Afghan women. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

For Afghan Women Seeking Divorce, a Wild Goose Chase

By Zahra Nader / Sahar Speaks Jan 31, 2017 Afghan civil law does not give women the right to divorce. "Here, a woman's voice is not heard," says a law student who spent four years in court ending her abusive marriage. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Rubab Player Breaks Down Barriers for Female Musicians in Afghanistan

By Sitara Sadaat / Sahar Speaks Jan 27, 2017 "Music is for boys and not girls," 22-year-old Fazila Zamir was told. Now she is proving her instructors wrong by performing on television and leading an all-male band. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

What It’s Like to Be Married at 7 Years Old

By Shougofa Alikozay / Sahar Speaks Jan 26, 2017 Despite high maternal and child mortality rates, Afghanistan maintains its custom of child marriage, subjecting victims to lives of poverty and misery. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Ending the Cycle of Shaming Afghan Women’s Bodies

By Sahar Fetrat / Sahar Speaks Jan 25, 2017 The stigmatization of female sexuality in Afghan culture has lifelong consequences for girls and women who lack understanding of menstrual health hygiene. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Given Away as a Child Bride, Afghan Woman Describes 24 Years of Abuse

By Nadia Zahel / Sahar Speaks Jan 24, 2017 After decades of captivity made possible by an inhumane custom, this 36-year-old whispers to a female reporter, "How am I still alive?" Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Kabul in 1979 and 2016: A Mother and Daughter Reflect

By Sparghai Basir Aryan / Sahar Speaks Jan 21, 2017 While growing up in a refugee camp in Pakistan, I realized that the Afghan capital city my mother described no longer exists. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Afghan Girl Dressed as a Boy for Six Years so She Could Go to School

By Zahra Joya / Jan 20, 2017 At 5 years old, I knew I couldn't end up like my mother and grandmother. So I attended school as "Mohammed" to escape the cycle of illiteracy in our village. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Internet Helps Afghan Women Find Their Voices in Battle for Equality

By Sonia Azatyar / Sahar Speaks Jan 19, 2017 In a country considered one of the worst places on earth to be female, social media gives women a way to air and share their views. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Top 7 Surprising Pieces of Good News in Afghanistan Presidential Election

Juan Cole / Truthdig Apr 7, 2014 Afghanistan went to the polls on Saturday, despite threats by the Taliban to disrupt the elections and calls by the extremists for Afghans to boycott the vote. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )