Five years have passed since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the collapse of the government in August 2021. During this time, Canada has provided refuge to more than 60,000 Afghan nationals.
Among the refugees is Farkhunda Hashimy, who, along with her family, has found solace and freedom in Saskatoon since their arrival in 2023. Originally a high school student in Kabul, Hashimy reminisced about the prosperous life she led before the Taliban’s rule. She highlighted the rights she once had, including access to education and the freedom to pursue a career.
Hashimy’s aspirations of attending university and excelling as an athlete, particularly in soccer, were abruptly halted by the Taliban’s restrictions. The extremist group has imposed over 100 decrees that severely limit the daily activities of women and girls, including prohibiting education beyond Grade 6.
Natasha Arnpriester, a senior legal counsel at the Open Society Justice Initiative, is actively working on a case against the Taliban for their oppressive policies. She underscored the stark contrast in women’s rights before and after the regime change, emphasizing the significant setbacks faced by Afghan women in various aspects of life.
The Taliban’s stringent rules extend beyond education, restricting women from leaving their homes without a male companion, mandating full-body coverings, and preventing public speech. These regulations have severely curtailed women’s opportunities for education, employment, and healthcare.
Despite the challenges, Hashimy expressed gratitude for the support received from the 30 Birds Foundation, a group dedicated to aiding Afghan women and girls in seeking safety outside the country. With their assistance, Hashimy and her family successfully relocated to Saskatoon, where she commended the foundation for their life-saving efforts.
Now settled in Canada, Hashimy is pursuing her education in urban planning at the University of Saskatchewan. She expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the development of Canadian cities and remains connected to the struggles faced by women and girls still living under the Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan.
Her resolve to empower herself and eventually support those in need back in her homeland underscores Hashimy’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of Afghan women and girls.
