Dear Friends ,
At a sobering time for women and girls , we bring you the 2022 issue of Journey of Hope magazine . Across the globe , girls and women are at risk of losing freedoms basic to their humanity . Nowhere is the loss more profound than in Afghanistan , a country our organization has served for more than two decades . With the Taliban ’ s return to power in August 2021 , the challenges have become more daunting than ever . But thanks to your generous support , our commitment to the people of Afghanistan has not wavered .
The Taliban is intent on erasing girls and women from society and making them invisible . But against all odds , Afghan women are fighting back , refusing to be erased , ignored , or forgotten . Their courage goes beyond what most of us can imagine .
In the past year , the Taliban has instituted brutal , misogynistic policies affecting nearly every aspect of daily life for girls and women . Female journalists and judges have been fired from their jobs , some even assassinated . The husbands of female government employees have taken over positions formerly held by their wives , who were told to go home . Girls above the sixth grade are being denied access to education , leaving more than 1 million adolescent girls out of school . Women are being forced to wear burqas and hijabs . They cannot get a driver ’ s license , nor can they be seen in public without a male chaperone . Women who speak out against these policies are beaten , imprisoned , or simply disappear .
Today , Afghan women and girls are facing the gravest threat to their humanity in 20 years . Every day that girls are out of school , the Taliban wins . The upheaval and chaos have been deeply unsettling for the Afghan people , yet their commitment to education is unshaken . Thanks to you , and with your continued support , we are forging ahead with our tireless partners overseas to improve access to quality education , especially for girls .
Education gives girls and women — not just in Afghanistan but in Pakistan , Tajikistan , and throughout the world — the confidence and courage to protest policies intended to make them invisible , without rights and without a voice . Education is the antidote to misogynistic poison .
For a closer look at what Afghan women and girls are facing and what Central Asia Institute ( CAI ) is doing to keep education alive , read our opening article , “ Against all odds , many Afghan women and girls are still getting an education .” Despite everything , Afghan women ( and men ) are not giving up on education . But they can ’ t fight back without our support . It is crucial that we stay engaged .
The desire to be seen for who we are and affirmed for who we want to become is a universal longing shared by women and girls around the world . “ Look at me ,” says every girl and woman in Afghanistan , Pakistan , and Tajikistan .
In unison , let us say , “ We see you . And we won ’ t let you be erased , ignored , or forgotten .”
Sincerely ,
Alice Thomas , Executive Director Central Asia Institute
2 | JOURNEY OF HOPE CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE