Beyond the burkha
Did anyone manage to catch the Four Corners special last night on women in Afghanistan? As I write this I have goose bumps to think of all the “what ifs” that run through one’s mind in observing such a stark comparison between life in our own ‘land of milk and honey’ and that of women beneath the burkhas in Kabul and the rest of Afghanistan. And what could possibly happen in my idyllic life to lead me down the path of at least 65 women in
What if I were born in the Middle East instead of Australia? What if our foremothers had not fought for equality and the right to vote a century ago? The look on the face of one beggar woman as she lifted her burkha said it all – her tired, withered face had endured more than one lifetime of hardship. “I was young before my husband was killed in the war. My son was killed too on the same day.”
This woman now spends her day begging beneath the disdaining eyes of men on the street who admonish her for being in need. Her two teenage daughters would like to study, but cannot afford to buy the requisite pencils and notebooks.
Today, after the heartache of thee Four Corners story, I received a newsletter from the Zonta Club of Sydney Breakfast, who for the past year sponsored Nasima, a student from Kabul who has been studying at Sydney Uni. The newsletter included a gut wrenching note from Nasima about her return to Kabul, the tears she shed upon returning to her broken city and – on a more light hearted note – her tribulations at trying to establish an internet connection back home so she can send more news. Perhaps, judging by Nasima, there is hope for Afghani women yet.
I attach the newsletter for your review. I am sure you will find it heartwarming.