To commemorate World Refugee Day, this poem was written by an Afghan woman whose husband is a refugee abroad. Loving…
Author: Shabana Stanekzai
Speaking Out Against Street Harassment Doesn’t Make Me Shameless
Shabana Stanekzai Every single woman I know has experienced some form of discrimination, harassment or violence whether at home or…
I Remain a Woman
Shabana Stanekzai One can learn being a woman in high heels. The paths that men walk with sneakers, I run…
Waiting for Eid
Shabana Stanekzai The woman is waiting for Eid by the window So that she can break her hundred-year-old fast of…
Stones of honor
Shabana Stanekzai They threw stones at me Their bodies less holy than my own. They were lost in lust and…
Street Harassment: Daily Violence against Afghan Women
Shabana Stanekzai Street harassment exists almost everywhere in the world and Afghanistan is no exception. According to a research by…
Afghan women face verbal and emotional violence too
Shabana Stanekzai Violence against women is one of the most prevalent forms of human rights violation around the globe. Gender-based violence…
No more victim-blaming
The sexual harassment of children in our society is nothing new, but we rarely speak about it. A few weeks ago, I was speaking about this issue with a few of my friends. There was six of us and every one had had a bitter experience with sexual harassment or abuse. One had been harassed at the mosque, others at home by cousins, uncles, neighbors… Every story was a reiteration of the pain children, especially girl child, are too familiar with. I also shared my experience.
Significant Moments
Shabana Stanekzai Girl, You only have today. Maybe when you wake up tomorrow Your school will be burned And your…
Waiting for sunlight
Shabana Stanekzai The woman was waiting for the reluctant sun to rise. Her entire body was in pain and her…