We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope

by George W. Bush Institute, Laura Bush (Foreword)

“Inspiring stories that not only capture the suffering of Afghan women, but also show their tremendous courage and resilience and the contribution they are making to build a better future for Afghanistan” (Hillary Rodham Clinton).Told in their own voices, the moving, courageous, and personal stories in We Are Afghan Women vividly describe a country that is one of the most dangerous places to be a young girl or pregnant woman; a country undone by decades of war and now struggling to build a lasting peace; a country where women have defied the odds. Women like Dr. Sakena Yacobi, who ran underground schools for girls until the Taliban fell, after which she established schools across Afghanistan to teach women to read and to educate and prepare girls to become teachers, doctors, lawyers, business owners, and politicians, and Masooma Jafari, who started a national midwives association, after her own mother was forced into marriage when she was twelve years old and gave birth to her first child at thirteen. “An incredible portrait of the Afghan women working to create a better future for their communities and future generations. Their stories of strength and resilience can inspire us all to reach for a more equal and peaceful world” (Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.Org) and remind us of the dangers of tactics that target women in order to limit their roles in society and in government. Fifteen thousand women are now enrolled in Afghanistan’s universities, but girls continue to face violence for pursuing an education. The realities of life in this part of the world, one of the most dangerous places to be a child or pregnant woman, are tough, but this unique book celebrates the lives of women who have defied the odds. Their eloquent words challenge all of us to What does it truly mean to be a woman in the twenty-first century?

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, War, Biography Memoir, Travel, Womens

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2016

About the author

George W. Bush Institute is the nonpartisan, public policy arm of the Bush Center.

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read a book about some incredibly strong women this is it! I am so thankful I read this book. I gained some insight into the lives of some Afghan women. The things that these women have gone through to get where they are was incredible. My heart bled for these women. My heart soared for these women. My heart has been touched by these women.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Every woman in the free world needs to read this book.

[caroline johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

only read a few stories but very good and informative

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are Afghan Women is a poignant and moving collection of life stories of Afghan women, many of whom have rapidly grown old beyond their years, compiled by The George W. Bush Institute. Pam Ward brings these women to life as their voices are heard loud and clear through her own. Unlike women in the United States who fought for women’s rights, the fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan has been long, and arduous, and full of terror, oppression and violence. Give ear and listen.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but a good source of understanding the situation from those in it.

[thewanderingjew · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope, George W. Bush Institute, narrated by Pam Ward
The introduction of the book was written by Laura Bush. The body of the book tells the story of Afghan women through a multitude of witnesses. Testimony is given about their lives in Afghanistan over several decades, beginning in the 1980’s. It is the story of their survival. As rival factions competed for control, many were forced to run. They relocated to avoid death or rape. First the Russians came, than the Mujahideen, then the Taliban, then the United States. When the American soldiers were removed prematurely, Daesh (Isis in Afghanistan) and the Taliban began to take root once more. Their struggle is ongoing.
I found the stories each woman told to be a bit repetitive, since each pretty much described their lives during the same time periods. Still, they were very eye-opening about the life they were forced to lead. They labored to get an education which was made possible, ultimately by foreign countries, the United States and England, more often than not. The group of women selected, and the odd man, were exceptional in intellect and ambition. Many had families that supported their efforts, even though it went against the culture and the ruling factions. Those families seemed to be educated and more modern. Many of the women, once retrained and/or reeducated, often in hidden schools, wanted to give back to their country in some way, if they were able.
The women were retrained for work by organizations that provided them with free education and a safe space. Many worked for a rug company called ARZU that would hire and train them only if they sent their children to school. Although many professions were forbidden to women, they managed to learn some new ones and improve their skills in old ones. They learned beekeeping, (forbidden), rug weaving, needlework and other skills needed to survive. Sports instruction taught women self confidence and self esteem. Some women became professionals. Women needed some source of income to feel independent. Widows and divorced women were dependent on the kindness of others which was often non existent. They were looked down upon by their culture and their beliefs. Men ruled and women had few rights. Scholarships were arranged for those qualified and many who were top students were enabled to study abroad and to positively change their lives. Some became lawyers, politicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, and doctors. Many brought their new skills and ideas back to Afghanistan to try and rebuild the country. All faced opposition and physical danger to themselves and their families.
In some ways, I found the women to be overly optimistic about being able to bring change to a country where their lives were in danger simply for wanting to work, simply for assuming roles of responsibility. The Circle of the Chador was formed to empower the women in a country that did not value them, but some will be in danger if they step out of the comfort zone. Under the Taliban and Isis, their lives are controlled completely by men. They live and die by the whim of these men, young and old. They can be sold or bartered as property. They do not have rights. The Russians, Mujahadeen, Taliban and Isis raped and murdered whomever they pleased, even men and children. They simply marched in and demanded food, women, homes. They took hostages. Many Afghans were ignorant and believed that the Taliban and Isis actually preached the true world of G-d, not this corrupted version they practice which is from the dark ages. It will be an uphill battle to empower the liberal men who support women’s rights and strong women who demand them, in order to make the necessary changes in government and leadership.
Some of the women blamed the Russians for starting the aggression which destroyed the country and brought in so many ruling, warring factions. Some blamed the United States for coming in, calming things down, but then abandoning them in 2014 which allowed the Taliban and Isis to try and take root once again. Others mentioned the lack of help from the UN. However, ultimately, it is the American tax dollar, or taxpayer that is providing them with the opportunity to expand their horizons and bring back innovative ideas to their country and cities.
I found that the narrator enunciated almost too clearly and seemed to inappropriately stress certain words. Perhaps there should have been several readers who could alternate so the tone of voice would occasionally change. Perhaps, an American reader is simply not as in tune to the emotional connotations of the testimonies as a native Afghan would have been. Also, I could not always tell when the featured testimony changed from one to another because neither the narrator’s tone nor expression changed from one to another, but continued in the same way for each story. I think it would have been better if Afghan women, with the appropriate accent, had narrated the book. The stories would have felt more authentic, more realistic, and the stress on certain words to emphasize feelings and events would have been more appropriate. After awhile, with the narrator droning on in the same tone for each person, it became difficult to concentrate and remain interested. The presentation seemed overly simplistic and even a bit too long. Sometimes it felt like it was an advertisement to support Afghan women, rather than a heartfelt presentation of their lives, experiences and ideas.
The presentations by the women provided a brief, but pretty thorough history of Afghanistan: regarding its poverty, education, ethnicity, language, climate, leaders, politics, women's rights or lack thereof, and the effect of war and aid or lack of aid, for them and their country and culture. Some spoke of the changes in their world because of the attack on 9/11 in America. Suddenly they were feared because of their religious background and culture. I thought that the idea that some women were still completely covered, not by choice, might indicate that the idea of change could be a bit naïve, although most returning Afghan women recognized it would be a long term endeavor to bring positive change to their country.
Innovative women in Afghanistan are working, starting businesses, attempting to help change Afghanistan, to bring it back, but they face hardship, danger, and family opposition. They need support from at home and abroad. Family often had a great influence on the decisions made. Those that did not live in backward ways, the more progressive Muslims, allowed and encouraged their family to grow and thrive, but many still do lack the ability to move on into the modern world. Overall, I found the presentations enlightening, poignant and sad. The suffering and hardship, the abuse of women, the lack of law and order, the demolition of homes, seemed so daunting, it is a wonder anyone would return. It will be a difficult march forward, but they have hope.

[M.]

""I knew one thing, though. Education had changed my life. With education, I was able to help my own family. Once you have education, no one can ever take that away from you. If you have education, you can start over."

At the heart of all these stories is the important of educative freedom. How much freedom it brings to learn and be taught and have the opportunity to imagine being someone different. It is hard to read these stories and not be moved, the strength of these women and resilient clutch at the end of every documentation of hope. Despite everything, there is hope for change and there are people who are trying to push for it.

"But she said she had five children, and she told me that the life of her children and their security were more important to her than her own freedom. It was more important for her to see these children grow up and be alive, rather than for her to work and to be able to go out."

I found this quote particularly moving because of its truth. It is hard to fight for women's freedom if there is also a fight for basic survival and safety. It is hard for a nation to progress if they are not given any time to breathe. It made my heart swell to hear of so many success stories within the rubble. How many women left but then came back to their homeland to help. The call to contribute. I respect it to the highest degree.

Any country that perpetuates the belief that they have to teach punishment and shame to their citizens is deluding themselves. There is no honor or respect to be gained from silencing people. There isn't even power in it, only a legacy of atrocity.

"There is no honor in punishing women."

[Gayatri Saikia | per_fictionist]

'We are Afghan Women' chronicles the unfiltered voices and views of Afghani women from the different segments of country, as they step forward and induce upon their experiences in their homeland, their suggestions to make it a better place and their pursuit of elusive peace.

I believe that in order to change a country, first you must work on the women.

With an introduction by Laura Bush where she apprises us of a country that has seen some of it's most progressive years in the 1960's only to be followed by decades of the most turbulent and horrifying invasions one after another.

A truly inspiring account of women,who have taught themselves the art of survival, when others like them were just begining to play with dolls. Zainularab's account of how her fascination of bees, led her to become a beekeeper and how proficiently she compares the lives of the oppressed Afghani Women to the bees working against darkness.

A book that will help you better perceive the plight of women in a country torn by war and yet the optimism they carry within themselves.

[Victoria Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dipped in and out of this book because its content is very heavy and confronting. I was shocked, inspired and angry reading the stories of these remarkable women. If you want to learn more about life as a female in Afghanistan, you must read this.

[Carolyn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Afghanistan has been described as the worst nation in the world to be a woman:
"A person has two hands, left and right. In many societies the right is the man and the left hand is the woman. In Afghan society both right and left hand is the man."
"You, as a girl, are like a piece of white fabric. If you do even something very small, it will put a stain on the fabric for all to see. Your brother is like a piece of black cloth, he can do anything and it will not be seen."
"Even in the educated community ... a woman is not defined by herself as a woman but by her relationship to a man."
"On the one hand you have the elite community women who are educated, who work. But then you have a much larger group of women, women who are weak economically, educationally, socially ... the widows and the beggars or just the normal Afghan women who are poor and who stay in the house most of the time ... But the biggest gap is basically the lack of knowledge these elite educated women have of how much these other women suffer."
"I have seen terrible things happen to women in our society ... They have been tortured. I see women who work in the fields for no payment, forced to labor and being treated like slaves ... I see many women and girls who are not allowed out of the house ... I have seen where women are killed simply because they did not ask permission of their husband before they ate food."
The women featured in this book are rug weavers, domestic violence counselors, business owners, midwives, educators - courageous women who want to transform their homeland and who see that the keys to achieving this lie in providing education and the opportunity for women to be able to earn incomes so that they are no longer under total control of their husbands. For those who are able to achieve it, having a job not only provides them with a sense of self-worth but the respect of their families.
Afghanistan has been a land ravaged by war for so long that many of the young people have known nothing else. One contributor to "We Are Afghan Women", a 26-year old honoured in 2014 as "The Best Woman Entrepreneur", ended her chapter with the words : "Peace is the first thing and the last thing, and the most important thing. Without peace there is no job security, no personal security, and we cannot know what will happen tomorrow. Even if we have nothing else, if we have peace we will be happy." Over-simplistic? Maybe. But it is certainly a place to start.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a while to read this because I needed to digest some of the memoirs before being ready to continue. Despite the differences in age, social class, education, and type of community they represent, each of these women is bound by the common experience of living in a country that has known war and brutality for over forty years. In their homeland, women have never been equal to men, nor do they have freedom of movement which most American women take for granted. Family honor is taken seriously, and unfortunately, women cannot increase their family honor, but they can degrade it by not following social norms.

We Americans are largely unaware of the beautiful complexity of Afghan civilization and culture until someone shares personal stories like these with us. We do not live in cities and villages where we feel uncertain about seeing our family again each time we leave home. Even in our toughest neighborhoods, our urban ganglands, we have more security and more freedom from want than Afghan women and their children. What they have is an indomitable sense of self-preservation, and in the cases of the women writing here, a strong will to make Afghanistan a more secure place for their children and grandchildren. I hope and pray they are given the chance to succeed.

Read this book. It has been published as part of an agenda to help us understand why Afghanistan is such a complicated place for our military to leave and why our presence in their country fifteen years after 9/11 seems like an eternity to Americans but not to Afghanis. And to those who accuse the book of being soft-hearted liberal pandering, look at who has funded and published We Are Afghan Women.

[Katie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books on Afghan women and I can't say enough good things about this one. This book contains the inspiring stories of 28 Afghan women and 1 man who have gone on to do remarkable things through hard work and sheer determination. While some have lived their entire lives in the country, others were forced to flee to neighboring countries or the United States during the Russian and later Taliban occupations. But each person shares at least one thing in common and that is the strong desire for a brighter and better future for Afghanistan.

What I found unique about this book is that each person detailed their vision on how a better Afghanistan could be achieved. While most of their ideas revolved around how education was a must, some of their ideas were unexpected, especially to some of us in the Western world.

While some people might shy away from this book after seeing the Bush family connected to it, I think it would be a real shame. This isn't a political book. Their stories of struggles and triumphs are incredible and definitely eye-opening especially to those who may not know much about Afghanistan. The people interviewed for this book were honest and not afraid in a few cases to be critical of the United States and other foreign countries on their roles before and after 9/11. But the heart of this book isn't about placing blame, it is how against incredible odds, an "ordinary" person can do extraordinary things. Highly recommend this book, especially to women!

[Oraynab Jwayyed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers are introduced to some of Afghanistan's bravest women. Those who are working tirelessly to make a change for themselves and other women. Their demands are simple, universal, but the challenges they still face are tough. But after reading each woman's essay, you'll soon agree that one day in the near future, those demands will be met.

The book starts with an introduction from former lady Laura Bush. She reminds readers, once again, of Afghanistan's history with brutal wars that started with the Soviet invasion, harnessed by the internal political strife, and ended with the Taliban's rule and Osama bin Laden's influence. All along, it's the women who pay the price with their freedom, voices, and rights. What the first lady leaves out, however, is the U.S.'s role in supporting Afghanistan's rebels against the threat of communism, which eventually gave rise to the same group that terrorized the country and oppressed the women.

Nonetheless, that pivotal exclusion does not diminish the stories of the women who contributed to the book. Quite contrary, you'll find yourself empowered, even hopeful, of what is possible when you care so much about your countrymen and women to risk your life to potentially build theirs. Leave your politics aside, and buy the book. You'll empower yourselves, as well as the women of Afghanistan, get that much closer to advancing women right through the stratosphere.

[Garryvivianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afghanistan, a small nation that has always been in turmoil, has produced many great people. This book has many stories told mainly by women that have always held a hope for their country, for their rights. The stories told are by women & actually one man who have all pretty much been exiled because of war, first by the Russian invasion, then have come back, then out again to escape the Taliban. But one thing they all wanted was to learn, to become educated. Most have all been schooled in the United States, but have all gone back to help their people.

All stories touching and moving, with a nice introduction by First Lady Laura Bush. My only complaint in reading these stories was that many Afghanis believe that the United States is at fault for what they are going through. And I DO not think it was good to go there in the first place. As they say, we tried to help, but we want to help OUR way, not following their beliefs nor cultures. And I can understand that. But they say, we went & helped -and then we left-. That if we hadn't left, they would not be in such dire predicaments. But all in all, I commend these women that have remarkably done so well to turn their lives around and then to continue helping in their country.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and heart wrenching first hand accounts of life inside Afghanistan by women and the obstacles they overcame to give back to their country and their fellow women. After the Taliban took hold in the the 1990's upon the departure of the Russians, only five thousands girls attended school. Now, more than 20 years later, the Taliban has been eradicated, schools have been built, more than 2.5 million girls attend school and the Parliament is represented by 28% of women. There is a long way to go, especially after the withdrawal of troops in 2014 that allowed ISIS to make a presence, but if the grit of these women is any indication, they will succeed. I am grateful Laura Bush and the George W Bush's Women's Initiative published this book as it sheds light on the potential of the country and the women behind it.

[Linda S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy books about people whose life experiences are very different from mine and what influences make them do what they do. This is a collection of stories about different Afghan women and how they are working to improve the lives of other Afghan women. There was a common thread among these women, the majority had the support of fathers/brothers, were educated and most left Afghanistan during the Soviet & Taliban years. I admire that these women are so unselfish and focused on their desire to improve the lives of others, many in very bad circumstances. The biggest lesson was to meet the most basic needs first, if a mother has hungry children feed the children and then help her develop skills so she can feed her children. It is senseless to talk women's rights when she needs to feed her children.

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing look into the lives of Afghan women. As I read this, I was so inspired at what they accomplished despite the challenges they faced. It's hard to comprehend getting death threats for teaching women how to drive, but that's just a snapshot of how hard life is for women in Afghanistan.

As I deal with the difficulties in my life, they pale in comparison to what these women face. As I read this book, I was not only able to see life from a different perspective, but was also inspired to pursue my own dreams.

I got to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center last summer and was not disappointed. They are doing wonderful work in continuing to help those in Africa, wounded war veterans, and empowering women in the Middle East, as demonstrated by this book.

[Karen Roettger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What compelling stories from these Afghan women. Everyone should read these stories to better understand this country & its culture. I was especially moved that many of the women said that when family members leave for work or school each day they never take for granted that they will ever see each other again....the need for security is a top priority in their minds. Education for women is another priority. Another message that resonated through these stories was for our western society to listen to the needs of the people of Afghanistan. "We need your moral support to give us training, education & to stand behind us. If we are opening a school & we don't have pens, pencils & notebooks, don't send us jeans."

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories told in this collection are indeed intense and difficult and yet hopeful. They show the resilience of Afghan women, or perhaps women anywhere, when faced with terribly difficult circumstances and horrible injustices. At times I found the narration to be a bit slow and redundant but when listened to in a more individualized sitting,t they were uplifting and a call for all of us to action. I have read much of the plight of Afghan women but this collection seemed to resonate with me.

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've never been to Afghanistan, you should read this book. If you live in the US, you should read this book. A fascinating, inspiring, tragic, powerful look at what women are facing in this small, war torn country--most of them struggling for basic human rights, having dreams of learning to read, or higher education, or the freedom to leave their house barred from them simply because they are female. Most are cut off from modern society, some are abused, but many are fighting and have hope of change and peace in their beloved country.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE ARE AFGHAN WOMEN, with introductions by Laura Bush and published by the GW Bush Institute. AFGHANISTAN. Present day.

Short essays by literate women of Afghanistan who share their experiences before and after the Russian occupation, the rise of the Taliban and the Afghan War after 911. Heartwarming and inspirational stories underscore these women's efforts to restore peace and security to their homeland.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching,horrifying, inspirational and raw are just a few of the many things I could say about this book. I feel more enlightened to the struggles of women in Afghanistan and more of an understanding of the role of tradition and how we cannot just go in and make some quick laws and expect change. I actually felt some understanding of the men in the society which I would have never thought would happen. I highly recommend reading this.

[Kelly Ardyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to throw in the towel half way though. It's good and the stories do hold my attention but all the stories are predictable. They are all girls who are not allowed to do something and figure out how to keep doing it and want change. It's the same over and over and over again. I don't think I am gonna miss anything if I give up now.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I'm still thinking about everything I learned from this amazing work. It tugged at my heart and inspired me to do a better job helping others. If any of my nearby friends want to borrow my copy, let me know!

Deseret News review here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...

[Aletha Pagett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was received through Goodreads.
Although not a fan of audiobooks, We Are Afghan Women captured my interest from the very start. The reader, Pam Ward, was wonderful to listen to. The stories of the various Afghan women opened a window into a world I can scarcely believe exists. What exceptional women these are, leading lives of daily bravery and hope.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a compilation of stories from mostly women who have at some point in time lived in Afghanistan. They were sad and hopeful. All the stories focused on the fact that education is the key to solving the destruction of an entire nation. Another point was made in that traditional gender roles can not be changed overnight and that the most sustainable changes will be made over time.

[Susan Quenneville · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible look at the lives of 28 Afghan women and their daily struggles to live a peaceful, meaningful life in a war torn country heavily influenced by the degrading forces of the Taliban and the age old view that a woman is a possession, not a person. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of Afghan culture.

[Darlene Franklin]

I received this audiobook as a goodreads giveaway. Thanks to the George bush institute for bringing to light the changing roles of afghan women. Congratulations to the fine people helping to bring about these changes.

[Dori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sad but well researched read about the plight of most Afghan women. The rest of the world should be aware of how much work there still needs to be done for human rights in Afghanistan. There were some hopeful stories but those stories were hard fought and usually came with a price.

[Kristinn Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book it just seemed a bit redundant and repetitive. I would have liked to see more variety in experiences and heard a wider range of opinions. I only got 3/4 of the way through before i had to put it down because I felt i had read the same story over and over again.