14-Year-Old Afghan Girl Uses Writing to Amplify Voices of Restricted Girls

A 14-year-old girl from Afghanistan has published an essay declaring her commitment to breaking the silence imposed on girls through writing, rather than protests or violence.

In the piece published by Hasht-e Subh, she describes herself as using a "small but powerful pen" to narrate the real lives of Afghan girls, including hidden joys, hopes, fears, and daily restrictions. "Afghan girls have lost their voice," she writes. "We can no longer walk freely in the streets, laugh with friends, pursue our dreams in school, and even the simple right to live as a girl has been taken from us."

She vows not to "get used to silence," emphasizing that words are more powerful than threats or bullets. The girl aims to inspire other girls, telling them: "You are worthy. You can. You are stronger than you think." She writes about small joys, learning efforts, and threats that endanger lives or limit freedoms, framing each line as resistance against oppression, fear, and injustice.

Despite challenges from violence and social restrictions, she holds big dreams of voicing girls worldwide facing similar issues. "I want to prove to the world that even a small girl can have a loud voice and great impact," she states. She envisions a future where no girl must stay silent, deprived of education, or hide her dreams, urging all girls: "Your voice matters. Your dreams are valuable."

The essay portrays writing as a tool for change, inspiration, and hope amid darkness.