The Pashtoon's National Jirga

And a Little More About Me

Afghan elders sit for a jirga (Commons)

Hi everyone! I’m Aqsa, an 11-year-old from Afghanistan (you probably already know that). I want to share more about myself and my thoughts, especially about what's happening in my home country.

First, let me start by saying how grateful I am to be in America, where I can continue my education. Back in Afghanistan, most girls can only study until 6th grade because of the Taliban. It’s something that makes me really sad, and I don't understand why they want to stop girls from learning. It feels unfair, like they are afraid of what educated girls can achieve. If I had the power to change their minds, I would, but I know I can’t do it alone. The world needs to stand up for Afghan girls.

Education isn’t just about books; it’s about hope, future, and opportunity. The Taliban's ban on girls going to school takes all of that away from so many girls who dream of becoming doctors, teachers, and maybe even astronauts like me! I think about the girls still in Afghanistan, wondering if they feel like they've been forgotten. I haven’t forgotten them.

Another big thing happening that affects Afghanistan is something called the Pashtoon National Jirga. It’s like a big meeting where Pashtoon leaders come together to talk about the region’s future. I heard from my dad that this Jirga could help solve problems between countries, but I wonder—will they talk about girls like me? Will they think about the future of Afghan girls? I hope so. This Jirga could make a massive difference if they make decisions that help people, especially girls, get their rights back.

Even though I’m in America, my heart is still in Afghanistan. I want to be an astronaut, but I also want to help Afghan girls dream big. I wish that one day, girls in Afghanistan won’t have to worry about bans or fear—they’ll just go to school, learn, and follow their dreams, just like I am.

That’s a little more about me! What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories, too, so feel free to share them with me!

Love,
Aqsa