Life for Afghans is very bleak. It is especially so for women and girls. In the eyes of the Taliban — who are in power once more — they are not equals. They are not even deserving of an education, to say nothing of positions in government.

Last month, Mursal Nabizada was killed in her home. Thirty-two years old, she had been a member of parliament. One of her bodyguards was killed along with her. Earlier this month, Professor Ismail Mashal was arrested. He is a supporter of girls’ education. He had been passing out books, for free.

I would like to share with you a statement by an Afghan girl, a young woman, which was transmitted to me a short while ago. She would like to see it published. It is a statement from her heart.

In the middle of all these obstacles and perplexities — in a situation in which no one knows what to do — seconds, weeks, and years are passing so fast, and I am turning 17. I want someone to stop the time, and not let it go. Someone should tell the time to wait: to wait for us, so that we can spend all the minutes of our lives the way we want.
Now we are in a battle, and we fight to breathe, and we do not have time to enjoy our childhood and youth. Somewhere in this big world, in a small place on this earth, all happiness, smiles, and beauty must be waiting for us. They must wait for us until these dark and hopeless days come to an end, and we have a moment for breathing.
We should not get older, our youth should not pass. All memories of our childhood and youth should not be filled with hopeless fighting. We should carry more beautiful memories and have inspiring stories to tell.
I am turning 17. I have lived 16 years of my life, and now I become a 17-year-old girl who was born to live. I want to make a wish for this new year of my life. I make the wish and blow out the candles — but there are many little girls inside me who are crying.