Is there a way that i/we can help Pashtana? I'm so moved by her story. I know it's not unique, but i'd like to help. How?
We, who are women and who live in this time in this country are very lucky. We need to read stories like that of Pashtana to help us remember what road blocks we have had in our lives are nothing compared to what she and others like her face. Pashtana should inspire us to support institutions that help women here and elsewhere. All women, all people deserve an equal chance for a decent future.
Wonderful doc. It was powerful to see the girls’ faces as they listened to the story about Malala being shot. I never anticipated that a student (Pashtana) would be burdened to stay in school, while engaged (a forced one), and then guilted to not commit suicide, all for the sake of the school. The pressure on these girls is absolutely extraordinary, more than I could have imagined if I had not watched this. As bad as it seems, I have to say this is a success story.
Force is the operating word here as it is almost anywhere men rule. I use the word rule in preference to govern because almost anywhere men are in control they rule with the threat of death rather than governing with reason.
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Wonderful doc. It was powerful to see the girls’ faces as they listened to the story about Malala being shot. I never anticipated that a student (Pashtana) would be burdened to stay in school, while engaged (a forced one), and then guilted to not commit suicide, all for the sake of the school. The pressure on these girls is absolutely extraordinary, more than I could have imagined if I had not watched this. As bad as it seems, I have to say this is a success story.
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Afghanistan was a proud nation. It was part of the Muslim patrimony that European colonialists had not conquered. From the north Muslim lands were occupied by Russians and from the south Muslims were subjugated by the Brutish.
The Russian revolution "forced" education on 100% Muslim in the lands that became SOVIET Republics. The Btutish wanted to keep their wards UNEDUCATED, especially in the areas where Muslims were in majority.
The Soviets helped in the social and educational development of our people. The Brutish created a subservient class of NATIVES, who bowed to the BRUTISH and were brutal to their own kind.
Alas, Afghans are now a conquered people.
Is America now trying to create a subclass of Afghans like the British did? Hiding behind "bringing education" are they imposing American social norms on the Afghans?
The Russian revolution "forced" education on 100% Muslim in the lands that became SOVIET Republics. The Btutish wanted to keep their wards UNEDUCATED, especially in the areas where Muslims were in majority.
The Soviets helped in the social and educational development of our people. The Brutish created a subservient class of NATIVES, who bowed to the BRUTISH and were brutal to their own kind.
Alas, Afghans are now a conquered people.
Is America now trying to create a subclass of Afghans like the British did? Hiding behind "bringing education" are they imposing American social norms on the Afghans?
Nonsense, Jamil. The British committed many crimes against the peoples they subjugated, but denying them education is not one of them. India and Pakistan are full of educational institutions founded by the British where the sons (and now daughters) of mud-village peasants were enabled to become a professional class. Previous to that, only the rich could educate their children to that level.
And, funny thing. Thirty-five years ago, when I met some of the generation in Pakistan still able to clearly remember the British Raj, they were grateful for the schools and the roads and the attempts to rein in corruption and caste discrimination. They weren't happy with what Pakistan had devolved into.
Yes--Afghanistan was proudly free of Western control. Not so free of medieval horrors, or as they'd call it, daily life.
And, funny thing. Thirty-five years ago, when I met some of the generation in Pakistan still able to clearly remember the British Raj, they were grateful for the schools and the roads and the attempts to rein in corruption and caste discrimination. They weren't happy with what Pakistan had devolved into.
Yes--Afghanistan was proudly free of Western control. Not so free of medieval horrors, or as they'd call it, daily life.
Heartbreaking. I think, in the end, because the selfishness and oppressive nature of this patriarchy will not move, that the women of the world must rise up and overthrow their masters. Scared writings need to be re-interpretted and ripped from the grasp of self servicing male fundamentalists and their uneducated followers.
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I wish I could just give Pashtana's family $7 a week, and double their family income, on the condition that Pashtana could go to school. But of course, she's married now. At 15. Unbelievable.
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If the world doesn't fix this problem we will all be like Europe. Overrun by Sharia loving Muslims.
I have some advice for Pashtana. Since she cannot support herself, even with an education, accept social norms. Keep studying, my mother went back to school after I was born. One day, the opportunity will arise. You won't be a child anymore and find gratifying work.
My father threatened me, but I was prepared, with a plan, and survived. May Pashtana find her way in this world.
My father threatened me, but I was prepared, with a plan, and survived. May Pashtana find her way in this world.
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This religion has got to stop mistreating women and girls
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It is not the religion Barb. It is old practice, old custom and old norm. 200 years ago, girls in Europe and America also got married at very young age. Colonialists curtailed the development of Muslim Societies. Small populations in remote areas which the colonialists did not (were not able to) conquer doubled-down to old practices. Today, Muslim populations are the most vibrant, and making strides to catch up; but are being hindered by NEW colonialists. Read about eradication of Palestine, the break-down of Somalia, the destruction of Libya, the carving-up of Sudan, the savaging of Yemen, the annihilation of Syria, attempts to isolate and emasculate Pakistan.
Remember after the demise of the Soviet Union, NATO chief labelled Islam as the enemy!!!
Remember after the demise of the Soviet Union, NATO chief labelled Islam as the enemy!!!
How about all religions. The Catholics and others male patriarchal religions all keep power to men only.
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I pray for Pashtana to somehow continue her studies, but I fear that her situation is all too common.
A beautiful, brave, bittersweet film. Thank you Beth Muprhy.
A beautiful, brave, bittersweet film. Thank you Beth Muprhy.
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A touching piece of journalism. The real story must be addressed. I have spent a lot of time in Afghanistan and this woman probably already has a few kids and will end up with five or six. She will end up one of three or four wives if the husband has a decent job such as digging ditches for the US. Their only future will be in Germany or Sweden. There is no way economic development will keep up with the birth rate in these countries.
Until we address population growth all of these touching pieces are just that.
Until we address population growth all of these touching pieces are just that.
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When foreigners (Europeans and Americans) are decimating populations, it is not time for birth controls, it is time for expansion.
It is not time for digging trenches for foreigners/invaders, but DISCOVERY of ways to make others dig trenches for you.
It is not time for digging trenches for foreigners/invaders, but DISCOVERY of ways to make others dig trenches for you.
Fewer drones and more schools would probably have the greater effect in bringing this part of the world into more modern times.
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Just as freedom of speech ends where your fist touches my nose, respect for other cultures should end at the point where systematic gender oppression begins. The US should give such states an ultimatum, clean up your acts or face US force, such as targeted assassinations of national, and local and tribal leaders, and religious leaders who refuse to accept that times are a changing. If Pakistan threatens to use its small nuclear arsenal, make it clear the consequence would make Hiroshima look like a picnic. When they understand their choice is to allow their societies to change, or have an expedited and premature reunion with Allah and Mohammed, they will choose the former. Jefferson's words about feeding tyrants' blood to the tree of liberty applies to Muslim tyrants as well.
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Hay, Buddy, America is already doing that! America has either directly killed, or has had the killings done by contracted parties of, Muslims in Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Palestine, Sudan, Afghanistan.
All these operations cost money. So, please vote for increase in Taxes.
All these operations cost money. So, please vote for increase in Taxes.
The heart aches for Pashtana. Does anyone really think she'll be back?
This region is hell on earth for females. Every baby step forward has been followed by two steps back. It feels almost cruel to give these enslaved humans hope.
This region is hell on earth for females. Every baby step forward has been followed by two steps back. It feels almost cruel to give these enslaved humans hope.
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Mohammad's first revelation, from the angel Gabriel:
Read! In the Name of your Lord who created
Created man from a clot.
Read , and your Lord is the Most Generous,
who taught by the Pen,
Taught man that which he knew not.
Although I am not of their faith, it seems to me literacy should be enjoined on every Muslim, male or female. I'd be curious to hear what Muslim readers think.
Read! In the Name of your Lord who created
Created man from a clot.
Read , and your Lord is the Most Generous,
who taught by the Pen,
Taught man that which he knew not.
Although I am not of their faith, it seems to me literacy should be enjoined on every Muslim, male or female. I'd be curious to hear what Muslim readers think.
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I am a Muslim and, of course, I believe in the verse of the Quran you have quoted. It was the colonialists, now it is the neo-colonialists, that are stymieing the development of Muslim people. The ethos of America seems to have morphed into: "if you do not embrace unbridled capitalism, and American dominance, we will destroy you". This policy is being pursued to the full extent of America resources. Poor Somalia, poor Iraq, poor Aghanistan, ..... The list is long, and I have provided the list in other places.
The cycle of ignorance - perpetuated primarily by Afghan men - can only be broken with education, not just for women but for men ALSO. This is a social problem tainted by religious beliefs.
It is not Islamophobic to say that religion is the root cause of the problem in this situation as it is in many other religion related situations as well. Because of this getting education to reverse ignorance become a chicken-or-egg condition. What people like Razia Jan are doing is of course commendable, but a LOT more needs to be done to keep chipping away at such religion based ignorance.
To do a lot more needs significant participation from western countries (no one else seems to be interested) for a long time. However, given the possibility of disengagement policies in western nations such as US or UK, the future in this regard does not look promising.
There were several memorable moments in the short video. What impressed this reader most were the TOTAL support from Pashtana's mother (who herself was illiterate) and very little support from this gentleman (the principal?) with whom Pashtana was pleading to not be expelled from school. He seemed to TOTALLY oblivious to the plight of Pashtana and why she took poison. Shame on him!
It is not Islamophobic to say that religion is the root cause of the problem in this situation as it is in many other religion related situations as well. Because of this getting education to reverse ignorance become a chicken-or-egg condition. What people like Razia Jan are doing is of course commendable, but a LOT more needs to be done to keep chipping away at such religion based ignorance.
To do a lot more needs significant participation from western countries (no one else seems to be interested) for a long time. However, given the possibility of disengagement policies in western nations such as US or UK, the future in this regard does not look promising.
There were several memorable moments in the short video. What impressed this reader most were the TOTAL support from Pashtana's mother (who herself was illiterate) and very little support from this gentleman (the principal?) with whom Pashtana was pleading to not be expelled from school. He seemed to TOTALLY oblivious to the plight of Pashtana and why she took poison. Shame on him!
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What a story! Pashtana is a good example of the stupidity of men, when considering women a lesser being, and subject to abuse even by their own families. Poverty may be a factor, but ignorance runs deep enough to maintain this injustice. Education, a secular one, is the answer, and Jan's courage to pursue such a 'calling' is highly commendable.
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I think all college students should be encouraged to take time off between their junior and senior years to do work in an impoverished country. Clearly, course credits could be given for the work. Add "WS" or "With Service" to the BS or BA. Students don't do it after graduation because of graduate school, and the need to pay off loans, as well as the need to start careers. At the very least. perhaps a specified number of service hours per year. I will never forget in a discussion on poverty the student who told me that people should cut out luxuries such as potato chips and soft drinks from their grocery bill, refusing to believe that there were people already making those cuts, with no where else to cut. And, in the US, we are a country of chances, and second chances. It is difficult for students to fathom someone with no chances. That their sociology and women's studies professors blame "backward" religions and men doesn't help. They make it sound as though these people are responsible for their own problems and suffering. Life is much more complicated.
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Take away, men are dirt.
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Pashtana - we stand with you. Your success means the world to us even though we will likely never meet.
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Progress is so slow, but it is progress. My grandmother was taken out of school when she was 11 and put to work in a factory (this was in Iowa). She fought against it and was bitter about it her whole life. She made a vow that all of her children would not only stay in school but they would all go to college. And they all did, in the great Depression and WWII. And all of their children went to college and into the middle class and upper middle class. Progress sometimes takes a generation or two, but we keep moving forward.
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What strikes me - is what seems to be a disconnect amongst Afghans - between the idea of educating women (which they don't want to do), and a better life (which they all want). Tens of thousands of men from Afghanistan - who are not under threat of the Taliban - have poured into Europe to find a better life. That European better life is tied to the educational and economic opportunities for all people, not just men. Afghanistan could be a better place - but first all Afghans need to help girls like Pashtana escape from what is a cultural prison; a prison where girls remain uneducated, invisible, and married while in middle school. Kudos to Razia Jan for her brave and important work.
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There is so much cruelty against women in large parts of the world. It is shame on humanity.
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Heartbreaking. This is what happens when women are devalued, when women are not respected and where men think only of their needs.
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Education for girls is of vital importance world wide. Check out the song and video I produced on the subject:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNF12FayTkU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNF12FayTkU
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Congratulations.
This video likely serves as a recruiting tool for the Taliban.
Any high school student with a smartphone could have done this video. This could have been done much better, without disclosing the identity of the individuals involved.
By showing this "story" in the manner you did, you did the people in that village no favor. Just imagine what will happen to them if the Taliban takes over again.
Another example of typical "activist reporting" in which the reporter is like an elephant in a china store, leaving behind a heavy footprint that will change lives, likely for the worse.
This video likely serves as a recruiting tool for the Taliban.
Any high school student with a smartphone could have done this video. This could have been done much better, without disclosing the identity of the individuals involved.
By showing this "story" in the manner you did, you did the people in that village no favor. Just imagine what will happen to them if the Taliban takes over again.
Another example of typical "activist reporting" in which the reporter is like an elephant in a china store, leaving behind a heavy footprint that will change lives, likely for the worse.
It's rather ironic - many of the issues with youth in the US are due to uneducated parents. Educated parents value education for their children. Educated parents who work find the best possible child care available which includes education.
If we can keep educating the children, and not just girls but boys too, they will be more likely to educate their children when they grow up.
Where is the UN in all of this? Can they not start fining countries who have less than 95% of their 5 through 15 year olds in public schools? Does the US even consider this when they give military aid?
If we can keep educating the children, and not just girls but boys too, they will be more likely to educate their children when they grow up.
Where is the UN in all of this? Can they not start fining countries who have less than 95% of their 5 through 15 year olds in public schools? Does the US even consider this when they give military aid?
This is a heart-breaking story. Kudos to Jan who patriotically returned for a long haul as well as to the courage of Pashtana. It remains difficult to understand, despite the taboos, sexism, and cruelty of traditional culture that access to a wider world via the net hasn't somehow penetrated. Why destroy half your human resources, and thus, maintain poverty for all? Why drive your child to suicide? Are there any women who can choose to be single?
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Sorry--but mere literacy won't help these girls. The means of economic power will.
The women's center I founded in a very conservative city in Pakistan, serving the poorest women and girls in the community, focused both on literacy and on practical needlework skills. In a culture where many women are confined to the home, the ability to sew the family's clothes means a measurable economic contribution to the family budget. If women sew for their neighbors, they earn cash money.
We found that as soon as girls and women had economic leverage--and in poor societies, it doesn't take much money to achieve that--they earned respect, too. Women began sending daughters to school; girls began refusing marriages.
Why should you be satisfied to see progress for Pashtana's daughters? She deserves better for herself, and not to age 20 years over the next five. This is not as hopeful a story as you wish it to be.
Create market opportunities too. Literacy goes hand-in-hand with that, and together they cause irreversible change.
The women's center I founded in a very conservative city in Pakistan, serving the poorest women and girls in the community, focused both on literacy and on practical needlework skills. In a culture where many women are confined to the home, the ability to sew the family's clothes means a measurable economic contribution to the family budget. If women sew for their neighbors, they earn cash money.
We found that as soon as girls and women had economic leverage--and in poor societies, it doesn't take much money to achieve that--they earned respect, too. Women began sending daughters to school; girls began refusing marriages.
Why should you be satisfied to see progress for Pashtana's daughters? She deserves better for herself, and not to age 20 years over the next five. This is not as hopeful a story as you wish it to be.
Create market opportunities too. Literacy goes hand-in-hand with that, and together they cause irreversible change.
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So am I to assume the answer to "fix" the cultural malaise of Afghanistan is another 15 years of U.S. military intervention and another $1 Trillion dollars?
One argument she might make is that it is better for her husband if she can teach their sons to read so they will have an edge when they go to school.
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Yes, I know Kabul, but does everyone? Perhaps mentioning the country near the beginning of the story would help.
What a beautiful documentary. Change comes, but it comes slowly, over the course of generations. In truth, I am surprised that this school exists at all where it does, and I find Razia Jan's story deeply inspiring. What I wouldn't give to sit down and talk with this lady. Thank you for including the link to donate.
I wouldn't count Pashtana out either. I hope she makes it, and her daughters make it even further, without paying too steep a price in violence. Every step forward makes a difference for individuals, families, and community. Wishing all of them well.
I wouldn't count Pashtana out either. I hope she makes it, and her daughters make it even further, without paying too steep a price in violence. Every step forward makes a difference for individuals, families, and community. Wishing all of them well.
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It continually amazes me how men are perfectly comfortable killing, controlling, sexually assaulting and abusing other human beings even worse than animals simply because they have a vagina rather than a penis. What is wrong with them? This must stop!
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How much do the men's families pay their "fiancé's" families each month?
In addition to sending money to the foundation to support the school, is there a way to replace the ownership fees the men pay the family in order to enable these extraordinary young women to remain in school?
In addition to sending money to the foundation to support the school, is there a way to replace the ownership fees the men pay the family in order to enable these extraordinary young women to remain in school?
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I agree! I showed this to my children and we were so moved by theses amazing young women and especially the mother. Thank you for publishing this important story.
Unfortunately, it's not only about money and can't simply be solved that way. There is an intangible component: the families' believe their "reputations" in the community will suffer if they have unmarried women running around going to school.
It's tough, because there aren't really any opportunities for these women after they finish school, they will be married as a way to ensure their mouthes are fed and so they too can start a family, thus perpetuating the cycle. But what resonates with me is the sentiment at the end of the article, as every young woman gets a taste of education, she may fight just a little bit harder for the next generation of women.
It's tough, because there aren't really any opportunities for these women after they finish school, they will be married as a way to ensure their mouthes are fed and so they too can start a family, thus perpetuating the cycle. But what resonates with me is the sentiment at the end of the article, as every young woman gets a taste of education, she may fight just a little bit harder for the next generation of women.
Just think, while Pashtana has longed to go to school, some kids in the UK, France, and even the U.S. were so infatuated with the fanatics' online call for radicalism and violent extremism that they quitted school and went to Syria, romanticizing the perverted ideology - then they found out it is hell on earth but it was too late
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