One Swallow can make the summer
strength and resilience of a Faran
Farah was a young woman living in a far village in Afghanistan. She was a resilient and determined soul, born in a place where opportunities for women were limited. Despite the challenges and restrictions imposed by society, Farah had dreams of education, independence, and empowerment. She was living in a society where girls were only meant to marry and settle down and serve their husband’s families in their early teenage, but her father was an educated man who believed in the power of knowledge.
there was no school for girls in Farah’s village but he taught Farah how to read and write and always encouraged her to pursue her studies despite the prevailing norms. With his dedicated support, Farah continued her studies at home using her brother’s books and notebooks.
Her brothers were in school but all they wanted was to play with friends in the greenfield while Farah always carried a book in her hand, she asked her father to buy her a book every time he went to the city. As Farah was reading different books, she realized that the women’s lives outside of her country in so colorful, they had the right to study, work, and make decisions for their own lives while women in Farah’s village were not allowed to go out of the house to walk around, to decide who to marry with or to raise their voice in making family decisions. Women didn’t have the basic rights to living, the false customs of the society had taken all their rights except breathing, they were alive but they weren’t living. Farah was tired of the discrimination against women in her village and she wanted to raise her voice in defense of all the girls who were the victims of arranged marriage at a small age. She wanted those girls to study to know their rights and stand for themselves but how could they know about women’s rights as they were told a woman is born to work in the kitchen and give birth to the children, that makes Farah suffer more from all of this injustice behavior of men’s with all the women not just in her village rather in all the country. as she discovered the rights of women not just in the modern world but the divine rights of women’s that the creator gives to them in their religion, she discovered that all the human has equal rights, the human being is created free and no one has the right to take their freedom by using false statements in the name of religions. Islam taught all Muslims to behave well, have respect for everyone, and be kind even to animals and plants. But she could see how the ignorant people of society disrespecting to women and took all rights of women using the false tradition and then related it to the religion. She saw the priest of the Mosque beating his wife and daughters many times and justifying it with Islam while Islam says: "You are not a true Muslim until you behave people in a good manner and the best of you is someone kind to your family". The dark situations for women and the false beliefs of society about women increased her sorrow and she was suffering all the time as there is a saying "He will suffer more who knows more".
She was looking to find a way to help poor women and support them to follow their dreams and never give up. As Farah dived into the world of books and learning, she discovered her passion for storytelling and poetry. Her heart was willing to express the untold stories of the women in her village, their struggles, and their determined spirit. with each word wrote, she felt a sense of liberation and empowerment, as if her voice could transcend the confines of her village and reach the world beyond.
One day, a group of aid workers visited Farah’s village, aiming to provide support for women’s education and empowerment. Among them was a compassionate woman named Fatima, who recognized Farah’s potential and determination. Fatima listened to Farah’s stories, her dreams, and her fears, and she saw a spark within the young woman that refused to be extinguished. Determined to help Farah, she realized her aspirations, Fatima invited Farah to join a women’s empowerment program in the city. Although she was sad about leaving her family and going into the unknown, her eagerness for freedom and education overwhelmed her fears. With a heavy yet hopeful heart, she left her village and embarked on a journey toward a new chapter in her life.
She came to Kabul, the biggest city in Afghanistan, Farah encountered a vibrant community of women from diverse backgrounds, each with their own story of resilience and strength. She immersed herself in classes, workshops, and discussions that broadened her horizons and fueled her passion for advocating women’s rights through her writing.
As Farah’s confidence blossomed, she found herself at the forefront of a movement to amplify the voice of Afghan women. Through her poetry and prose, she shed light on the untold stories of courage and perseverance in the valleys of her homeland. Her words became a beacon of hope for countless women who were striving and struggling for freedom and equality.
Despite facing resentment and resistance from her society and its people, Farah remained steadfast in her mission. She collaborated with fellow writers and activists to publish a collection of poems and stories that celebrated the resilience of Afghan women. The book garnered international attention, shining a spotlight on the invincible spirit of women like Farah who refused to be silent.
Years passed, and Farah’s journey took her to distant lands where she spoke at conferences, shared her experiences, and advocated for gender equality. Her strong determination inspired countless individuals around the world to stand up for the rights of women all over the world.
Back in her village, Farah’s story became a source of inspiration for young girls who dared to dream beyond the confines of tradition. They learned how to have the courage to see ambitious dreams and how to fight for them. Farah and her father founded a school for girls and an Islamic learning center for males and females to eradicate the false beliefs of society about Islam and its lessons, so the people of her village would have true knowledge of their religion and wouldn’t let others justify their misbehaviors using the religion. In a few years, there were schools for girls in all the neighboring villages and girls were no more victims of the society.
Farah’s story became an example of the resilience and fortitude of Afghan women a reminder that even in the face of adversity, their voice can resonate across mountains, break through barriers, and ignite a flame of hope that illuminates the path toward equality and empowerment.
Against the backdrop of a proverb in her country that said 'It can’t be spring by one flower ( one swallow doesn’t make summer)’. Frah defied it, proving that with determination, one flower can bring forth spring, spreading color and scent throughout the garden.
You can always change the narration, you are capable of changing destiny, you can change many lives just don’t forget to preserve your dreams and go through everything that comes your way, and always fight for your dreams
I’m here to remind you don’t give up.
