Darakhshan, 18

I have a deep love for the arts. Singing is one of my favorite ways to express myself, whether I’m alone or sharing a song with others, it always lifts my spirits. I also enjoy playing musical instruments, especially when I get to experiment with new sounds or learn a new melody. Another major passion of mine is photography and editing. I love capturing meaningful moments, whether it’s a stunning landscape, a powerful portrait, or a small detail that tells a story.

Editing allows me to bring those photos to life and express my creativity in new ways. These activities help me feel connected, confident, and alive, and I believe in using them to inspire and empower others as well. I was in Grade 9 when the Taliban returned and banned girls from school. At the time, I was studying subjects like English, Dari, Pashto, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Sports. Despite this disruption, I’ve continued my education and am now studying Competitive Politics online as an undergraduate student.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is not always having access to the same opportunities as others—because of my environment, limited resources, or the societal expectations placed on girls in Afghanistan. I’ve often had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, to have my voice heard, and to pursue my passions like photography and education. But these challenges have only strengthened my determination and resilience.

I want to study Political Science because I believe that understanding how governments and societies work is the first step toward meaningful change. I’m passionate about justice, equality, and giving people a voice—especially those who are often ignored or silenced. My dream is to work in policymaking, human rights, or international relations. I want to help build a future where everyone, especially women and girls, can live freely, safely, and with dignity.

Through my work, I hope to support communities, create positive change, and be someone who stands up for others. The Voices Unveiled self-empowerment course has been incredibly important to me. It helped me learn more about who I am, what I’m capable of, and the power of my voice. I discovered how my thoughts and habits shape my life, and how I can make a real difference. I want to return to the course because it made a profound impact on how I see myself and the world.

Each session gave me new energy, confidence, and motivation to follow my dreams. I would highly recommend this course to other Afghan girls. It gives us something we rarely have: a safe space to explore our identities, build our confidence, and believe in our potential. It helps us dream bigger and know we are not alone.