Born, Lived, and Displaced in War
I am one among millions—a girl from the era of Afghanistan, born during the first Taliban regime. That period forced mass migration to Pakistan, making it the largest host country for Afghan refugees, with an estimated 2.5 million seeking safety there. Today, displacement continues, with many Afghans seeking refuge in Europe. Afghan girls and boys, like me, deserve a better life, yet we are often referred to as “the deprived generation.” These words are not just letters; they carry the weight of millions of dreams, struggles, and sacrifices. The world owes Afghanistan and its people a life of peace and dignity.
As an education activist, I have felt the pain of displacement from the very start of my life. My family fled to Pakistan seeking safety. Later, we returned to Afghanistan with hope in our hearts and a determination to rebuild. Despite the societal restrictions and traditional norms of my community, I chose to pursue my dreams—chief among them, education. My passion led me to earn a full scholarship and return to Pakistan, not as a refugee this time but as a young woman determined to further her studies.
During my bachelor’s studies in 2019, alongside talented youth from different Afghan provinces, I co-founded the Afghanistan Youth Leaders Assembly (AYLA), an initiative aimed at empowering women and youth.
The tragic events of August 2021 reshaped my journey. While in Pakistan, I was faced with a choice: to succumb to despair or to take action. I chose the latter. Through AYLA, we began offering voluntary online educational classes for girls inside Afghanistan. Amid the chaos, education became our lifeline—a way to resist oppression and sustain hope.
Displacement, however, brings immense challenges. For those forced to flee conflict zones, the first thought is often about finding shelter. Afghan refugees in neighboring countries face daily uncertainty, enduring exclusion, abuse, and humiliation. Starting over in a new country—adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life—is overwhelming. Displaced people are not only deprived of their past but also burdened with deep trauma that takes years to heal.
In the West, where many arrive with hopes for better opportunities, particularly in education, new challenges emerge. While some countries provide asylum seekers with access to public education, many face barriers such as language difficulties, resource limitations, and integration struggles. Though these obstacles differ from the systemic oppression under the Taliban, they still hinder displaced youth and girls from fully accessing the education they need and deserve.
Education is a basic human right, and host countries must recognize that empowering displaced individuals begins with providing inclusive and accessible learning opportunities. If these countries want independent and contributing citizens, they must first invest in their education.
Supporting displaced individuals through education is not only a moral imperative but also a means of fostering resilient, empowered communities. By addressing the barriers refugees face, host nations can unlock their potential, turning displacement into an opportunity for growth—for the individuals and the societies they join.
Through education, advocacy, and sustained support, we can create a world where displaced individuals not only survive but thrive. Together, we can build a future of peace, prosperity, and shared humanity.
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Displaced International empowers displaced people worldwide by providing resources, advocacy, and support to help them rebuild their lives and communities.
