September 10, 2021
Our hearts hurt as we watch the harrowing events unfold in Afghanistan. Thousands of peaceful citizens are trying to flee from Afghanistan as the Taliban is establishing a new government. Women specifically remain at risk for speaking their minds about their rights and taking actions against abuse.
Al Jazeera in their recent videos “No Justice for Women – With the Taliban back in power, Afghanistan is on edge” talks about the social injustice towards women in Afghanistan. (Full film by the link: ) One of the stories is about Fatima Khalil. The reporters interviewed Fatima’s family members and shared Fatima’s own videos and how she started her career on a strong foot, being determined to help people like her whose life is so harshly affected by the political situation. At one point in one of her videos, where Natasha is learning how to paraplane, she jokingly says: “I guess I will die in an attack in Afghanistan. So maybe it’s better if I die in this heaven” as she points at the beautiful scenery among the mountains and adjusts her gear before she takes off with her instructor. It is heartbreaking to see how such thoughts linger in Afghan people's minds even in the happy moments of their lives, because of the constant threat and stress that accompany them through their everyday life.
The video report also includes the pieces of the documentary about Fatima “Fatima Natasha Khalil: A life never to be forgotten”, filmed by Zarlasht Sarmast (鶹ý alumna) as a memorial tribute to her beloved friend and to help raise funds for Fatima Khalil Human Rights Scholarship Fund fundraising campaign. The campaign is aimed to collect funds for the scholarship which will support one extraordinarily motivated student majoring in human rights and committed to furthering women’s rights who is also very actively engaged in his/her community to advance these causes. We believe it is people like Fatima, who with their brilliant minds, can bring the peaceful change into the lives of those who need it the most.
To learn more about the campaign please visit: /
To donate to the campaign:
If you have more question and or need a support for a donation you can reach out to us via email alumni@auca.kg
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video done by AlJazeera Media