First, they told us to wear burqas.
Then, they told us to wear all black and only let our eyes peek out.
Then, they told us to walk with our heads
And shoulders bent downwards.
They said we must not lead men to sin.
Nevertheless,
I will remain myself,
I will be how I wish to be,
I will have authority over myself.
It is your problem
If you lose your senses
When you see me.
-Tamana Ibrahimkhail, Free Women Writers
My voice may carry pain, but it is loud;
Loud enough to shake these proud mountains.
I raise my voice, not for war, but to advocate.
My voice is thunderous in quest for my big dreams.
Don’t silence me.
Let me stay and raise my voice for freedom.
I am Malalai.
I am Rabia.
I am the daughter of this country.
I’ll fight for freedom,
Attain it or die for it.
-Sabah Qaderi, Free Women Writers