Throughout the last century there were multiple attempts at giving Afghan women more autonomy, to change marriage laws, to abolish the practice of bride price and child marriage, and to enforce women to be involved in school. Every time, the reaction from the traditionalists was one of contempt and scorn and at times outright rebellion. I think the emancipation of women in Afghanistan has to come from inside, through Afghans themselves, gradually, over time.
Khaled HosseiniIn early 1999, I was watching TV, when I came across a story on Afghanistan. It was a story about the Taliban and the restrictions they were imposing on the Afghan people, most notably women. At some point in the story, there was a casual reference to them having banned the game of kite fighting. This detail struck a personal chord with me, as I had grown up in Kabul flying kite with my friends.
Khaled HosseiniโI know you're still young but I want you to understand and learn this now. Marriage can wait, education cannot. You're a very very bright girl. Truly you are. You can be anything you want Laila. I know this about you. And I also know that when this war is over Afghanistan is going to need you as much as its men maybe even more. Because a society has no chance of success if its women are uneducated Laila. No chance.
Khaled HosseiniWithout women taking an active role in Afghan society, rebuilding Afghanistan is going to be very difficult.
Khaled HosseiniBut Laila has decided that she will not be crippled by resentment. Mariam wouldnโt want it that way. โWhatโs the sense?โ she would say with a smile both innocent and wise. โWhat good is it, Laila jo?โ And so Laila has resigned herself to moving on. For her own sake, for Tariqโs, for her childrenโs. And for Mariam, who still visits Laila in her dreams, who is never more than a breath or two below her consciousness. Laila has moved on. Because in the end she knows thatโs all she can do. That and hope.
Khaled Hosseini