The Enemies of Knowledge

The Taliban Never Changes

Taliban fighters ride in the back of a truck in Herat (Commons)

It was a lovely sunny day, as usual; I saw that my class had grammar, so I searched and downloaded a video for my students regarding their lesson. I dressed up, took my bag, said goodbye to my family, and started going to the place where I taught English.

I was energetic and happy walking towards the course and thinking that this day would be better than yesterday cause I had many things to teach my students. As usual, the Taliban was everywhere, and they always looked at me in an angry and humiliating way. It was obvious from their eyes that they were ready to attack. I was worried they would pull the corner of my headscarf and reveal my hair. I worried I might not be able to survive their brutal attacks! Despite all these concerns, I kept going. 

I reached the classroom, and then I went to class. After seeing my students’ smiles and excitement for me, I became even more inspired. After greeting and checking their assignments, I began the lesson.

Then, a hard thud hit the door of my class and destroyed all the peace. Very violent and scary men entered with guns ready to fire. I looked at them, then at my students; fear was everywhere; it was clear from my students’ eyes that they took refuge in me and that my presence had given them a sense of security.

Oh, I was trembling with fear. It is painful to bring up this memory, but I must reveal what pain Afghan women are going through.

I used all my courage and asked, “Who are you?”

It was obvious that they were the soldiers of ignorance (I believe it is the best name for them).

One of them started talking and shouted, “Get out of here! Don’t come here again. This is the last time we treat you like this. We will know what to do if we see you again here!”

The others were making fun of us and said, "Women? Studying? Go and wash your dishes.”

They kicked the gate, threw the chairs, and broke my classroom board!

My tears were out of my control. I told myself, “Women have the right to be educated!”

I don’t understand why they don’t let us learn. Why do we deserve this humiliation? The fear and sorrow I had cannot be explained with words.

They forced us to leave the classroom, and I came home crying. But still, I didn’t want to show it to my family cause they didn’t want me to go to the class, and it took a lot to get them to agree.

For approximately two weeks, I was completely sad and disappointed.

Fortunately, I received a call from the school saying that our course had reopened. I went to the class again, and although I knew it was a big risk for me, I had no choice. It was the only way I could help my community. I started teaching again, but this time, even with more passion and steadfastness. And they came again and again, and every time, they treated us with more words than before. But they couldn’t, and they can’t stop me. I will not give to soldiers of ignorance. 

I will fight for women till the end!

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Helai Khurshid is a girl living somewhere in Afghanistan.