In a poignant address, a young Afghan refugee shared her harrowing journey from Afghanistan to the United States, highlighting the struggles faced by women under Taliban rule. At just 15 years old, she fled her home in August 2021 as the Taliban regained control, leaving behind her family, friends, and dreams. After a perilous three-day escape, she found temporary refuge in Qatar before being approved as a refugee in the U.S. in May 2023.

Now 17, she recounted her challenges adjusting to life in New York without her family, often feeling isolated during school breaks while her peers returned home. Despite these hardships, she persevered in her education, recently gaining acceptance to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her journey has also included speaking at UN conferences, where she advocates for the education and rights of Afghan girls, many of whom face forced marriages and restrictions on their freedoms.

During a recent conference in Washington, D.C., she connected with influential figures who pledged to assist her in reuniting with her family. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the fight for the rights of Afghan women, who are currently denied basic freedoms such as education and employment.

Her message was clear: the plight of Afghan women must not be forgotten. She aims to inspire those still in Afghanistan, asserting that their dreams are valid and achievable, regardless of the oppressive circumstances they face. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of young women in conflict zones and the urgent need for global attention to their struggles.