Nilofar Dayan
The nights of Kabul are truly terrifying.
If you are a woman, you are scared of the shadows walking behind you.
If you are a woman, you are scared of those who walk past you quickly.
If you are a woman, It is enough for someone to follow you for a few minutes for your knees to tremble.
Tonight on my way home, in my mind I was searching for a tool to defend myself with. I could not think of anything. I felt tired and exhausted. With the passing of every bicycle, I froze.
When it is night in Kabul, all the masks are put aside. Every the oldest of men who walks by you wants to own a piece of you. Little boys see their monopoly on the streets and run wild. Others call you a “slut” for being outside so late at night.
If you are a woman, the nights of your city do not belong to you.
Even walking with confidence is only the right of men. If you look up and walk with pride, they will look back at you asking, “what do you have to be proud of?” The humiliation tempts to break you.
But don’t be scared.
Everything will change.
Me,
Culture,
You,
Social norms…
Be fearless
and walk on the pavement of your city with strength.
Read this piece in Persian here.