Kimia is a 24-year-old artist, book lover, and university student. Before the fall of Kabul in 2021, Kimia would spend her days learning journalism at the university, reading books like Emma by Jane Austin, and watching movies. After the fall, she said she was uncertain if she could continue her education. For safety reasons, we will use "Kimia" as a pseudonym and an AI-generated image as her photo.
“I was a university student when the Taliban came to power, and the universities were closed. After August 15th, we could finish one or two semesters during their period, but after the Taliban banned us from going to university, most girls have started studying on their own at home,” said Kimia in an interview with HerStory.
On December 20th, 2022, according to NPRNews, girls were banned from attending university, which led to many girls being forced to stay at home. While most would imagine this would stop girls from wanting to grow and flourish, Kimia proves us otherwise.
“Most of the girls I know have found something for themselves to be busy with; they try to attend online classes or start business projects.”
Kimia herself has also changed since the fall. “I am one of those women who does not want to just keep thinking about marriage and stay in the corner of my room for the rest of my life, and that is it. In my opinion, the thought of a life like that is horrifying. I think that for the time we have left on this earth, we should go to school and university [get an education], and it is very important. But now that we have no access to it, we will still keep searching for a way to improve and not accept failure,” said Kimia.
Passion for Art
Kimia has been making art ever since she has known herself. She says she has used art as a way to express herself, and it is very dear to her.
“Since I was a kid, I liked to draw a lot. I remember when I was in my second or first year of school, my dad was traveling to Moscow, and I tried to have filled multiple sketchbooks by the time he came back so that he would give me a gift/prize.”
Now, art has changed its meaning and value for her. From drawing to getting a reward, she now holds drawing as a way to share her world, soul, and thoughts with others.
“I think the most beautiful and meaningful pieces of art are created when the artists are going through a difficult part of their lives, like during the world wars or times when people were sorrowful.”
Kimia also finds inspiration and motivation through art.
“For me, if I did not have art, I would get very depressed, and I could not get along with all this amount of sorrow. Art is not only helping me through these times, but I also try to make an influence, be creative, keep myself busy, and survive.”
What Kimia Says About Girl’s Education
“I will tell the world that all of the people living in Afghanistan, especially the girls, are all warriors. You cannot only call someone who goes to war and takes up arms a warrior but what also makes us warriors is how we do not let our dreams die. Most of the girls in Afghanistan are now trying to keep their hopes alive in different ways and not destroy them. This is a fight in and of itself. We are warriors because we don't let the darkness conquer our lives in any way, and every single day we try to get ourselves out of this darkness. In my opinion, the world should know that the girls of Afghanistan are like warriors who are trying every day and can grow a lot if they have the chance to.”
Future hopes and dreams
“My hope for myself is to achieve all of my goals one day, and I am sure that I will, InshaAllah. For Afghan girls, I hope that one day they can get an education so that they can know their worth and capabilities and the world around them and have the right to choose the life they want to live. For my country, like everybody else, I want freedom. All of the people of Afghanistan are very hopeful that one day we could see our country free while we are still alive.”
In her last remark, Kimia emphasizes the power of education. “The most important thing for the world to do is to help create educational opportunities for girls.” Showing us that it is only with education that a society can transform.
Images Courtesy of Kimia | Submitted to HerStory
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