It’s been almost five years since a group of young Afghan women on their way to school were assaulted in a horrific attack in November...
It’s been almost five years since a group of young Afghan women on their way to school were assaulted in a horrific attack in November 2008. Men threw acid on the girls' faces, and three were seriously injured. Mrs. Bush spoke out at the time and called them “cowardly and shameful acts.”
Today, one of the girls has the courage to return to the classroom – as a teacher. Shamsia Husseini , now 22 years old, not only returned to school after the attacks, she has continued to speak out against violence against women in Afghanistan and champions girls’ education as a fourth grade teacher at an all-girls’ school in Kandahar.
"It was very important for me to become a teacher as it shows people that the attackers did not win, just like we came back to school after the attack,” Shamsia said recently to Agence France-Presse. “By teaching, I want to show that education is important and that women can do more than work in the kitchen." Shamsia’s courage inspires us all.
Over the last twelve years, Afghan women have made tremendous gains. They need us to continue to support them so the Taliban do not gain grounds and return to the brutal repression of women. Today, Afghan girls can attend school. Women hold important positions in local and national government and play a vital role in the economy. But Shamsia’s story also reminds us that serious threats to women and girls remain.
The Bush Institute’s Afghan Women’s Project spotlights the struggles and successes of Afghan women by telling their personal stories, publishing briefings and reports, and highlighting beneficial projects. Learn more about how you can help ensure that dignity and opportunity will be secured for all the women and children of Afghanistan.
Read the recent article about Shamsia here: http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/afghan-schoolgirl-scarred-in-acid-attack-now-a-teacher-440254
