Suzanne* is a young woman from Afghanistan. She tells her story, in her own words, of how VOM partners helped her to escape to freedom.
“I am Suzanne* from Afghanistan. I was a computer science student at Kabul Polytechnic University.
“As the world is aware of past events and developments in Afghanistan, the conditions for women’s education and employment are not favourable at all for women. My generation and I have been working for 20 years to change the situation by breaking taboos.
“As my family had relatively clearer views and thoughts, the younger members of the family were often active in social and cultural activities and litigation. The activities of most Afghan families during these years brought many victims. Many young people were killed. I lost many loved ones, each of whom was an important and active member of society. Our world was just evolving, but unfortunately all our efforts to fulfill our dreams were ruined again.
“We were at the university when the previous government fell and we could not believe it until the last moment. Living away from family in Kabul is very difficult for a girl in such miserable conditions.
“The surrender of the capital without any resistance was a shock to the youth. However, we tried to normalise the situation, go out in normal clothes and go about our normal activities, but unfortunately we faced very strong opposition. These mutual oppositions led to clashes and demonstrations, which had very painful consequences for women. We received many threats and we were all identified one by one. Many were arrested, and even killed.
“Due to very severe threats, I had to go to Mazar with my friend from Kabul and hide there. We were looking for a way to save our lives. Until we were introduced to the programme run by Shai Fund (VOM Australia ministry partner) through friends.
“After hiding for several months, finally we found our way to get out. We went to Kabul with a thousand fears. After completing our administrative work, we were able to leave Afghanistan.
“I could not believe we succeeded until the plane took off. It was a difficult moment. I had tears of joy and sorrow being away from family, homeland and thousands of miserable women and girls who could not escape and are imprisoned in their homes.
“We are just like a bird released from a cage. We used to think life was just a cage, but now that we are free and we see the world bigger than a cage, and we experience flight. The feeling of freedom and flight is the most beautiful feeling in the world.
“We owe this feeling and freedom to people who do not withhold any help or cooperation from us. They gave us the opportunity to study at one of the best universities and live in one of the best places in the world. They became my family and I really love them. I wish this feeling and freedom for everyone.
“Finally, I thank God for making us worthy of all this goodness and forgiveness so that I can get to know these good people. I promise that with God’s help, I will make up for all this good work and one day help the other needy.”
*Names have been changed to protect Suzanne’s identity.
To learn more about VOM’s emergency response in Afghanistan and how you can support Afghan Christians like Suzanne, click here .
Source: Shai Fund
Please Pray
Pray for the peace, protection and provision of believers and their families. Pray that their faith will remain firm through opposition and persecution.
Pray for the safe resettlement of Afghan believers who have been forced to flee Afghanistan.
Pray for unity and fruitfulness for the teams who are working tirelessly to evacuate Afghan Christians.