Five years have passed since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the government’s collapse in August 2021. During this period, Canada has embraced over 60,000 Afghan refugees, including Farkhunda Hashimy. Hashimy, a former high school student from Kabul, now resides in Saskatoon with her family since their arrival in 2023.
Hashimy reminisces about the life she had in Afghanistan before the Taliban regime. She recalls having the freedom to attend high school, pursue further education, and build a career. However, her hopes of university education and athletic pursuits were abruptly halted when the Taliban seized power.
The United Nations reports that the Taliban has implemented over 100 decrees affecting the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan. Prior to the regime change, there were more than 100,000 women enrolled in higher education, a stark contrast to the current ban on girls beyond Grade 6.
Natasha Arnpriester, a senior legal counsel at the Open Society Justice Initiative, is actively building a case against the Taliban for the International Court of Justice. She highlights the stark contrast in women’s rights and representation in leadership roles before and after the Taliban takeover.
In Canada, Hashimy and her family found refuge after feeling unsafe in Kabul. Through the 30 Birds Foundation, dedicated to aiding Afghan women and girls, they were able to relocate to Saskatoon in 2023. Hashimy expresses deep gratitude towards the foundation for their life-saving assistance.
Hashimy is now pursuing urban planning studies at the University of Saskatchewan, cherishing the safety and opportunities Canada offers while remaining empathetic towards the women and girls enduring hardships under the Taliban in Afghanistan. She envisions contributing to the development of new cities in Canada while keeping a close connection with her homeland in her heart.
Hashimy’s story reflects a journey of resilience, hope, and the unwavering bond she feels with the women and girls still living under the oppressive regime in Afghanistan.
