After the collapse of the Afghan government in August 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan five years ago. Since then, Canada has provided refuge to more than 60,000 Afghan individuals, including Farkhunda Hashimy, who arrived in Saskatoon with her family in 2023.
Hashimy, who was a high school student in Kabul before the Taliban’s rule, expressed how life in Afghanistan was prosperous prior to the regime change. She had the freedom to pursue education and career opportunities, including plans to attend university and become an athlete, particularly enjoying playing soccer.
However, the Taliban’s decrees have severely restricted women’s rights in Afghanistan. Women and girls are now prohibited from education beyond Grade 6, a stark contrast to the previous 100,000 women engaged in higher education. Natasha Arnpriester, a senior legal counsel at the Open Society Justice Initiative, highlighted the significant regression in women’s rights under the Taliban’s rule.
Hashimy’s family eventually sought refuge in Canada through the 30 Birds Foundation, which facilitated their relocation to Saskatoon. She expressed immense gratitude towards the foundation for providing safety and opportunities for her family and over 400 other Afghan women and girls. Hashimy, now studying urban planning at the University of Saskatchewan, emphasized the importance of supporting women back in Afghanistan who continue to live under oppressive conditions.
Transitioning to life in Canada, Hashimy described feeling “safe” and expressed her aspirations to contribute to urban development in the country. Despite embracing her new life, she remains connected to the struggles of women in Afghanistan, aiming to empower herself to eventually support those in need.
The challenges faced by women in Afghanistan have raised concerns globally, with efforts ongoing to address the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban regime. The resilience and determination of individuals like Hashimy serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter future for women in Afghanistan.