On the cold winter nights leading up to Yalda, a group of Afghan women in Islamabad gathered to celebrate the longest night of the year. Organized by the Goharshad Begum Foundation and the Hazara refugee community, the event went beyond a simple cultural festivity. It became a platform where women intertwined art, cultural identity, and messages of resistance to amplify their voices globally.
Yalda, symbolizing the end of darkness and the arrival of sunlight, took on an additional meaning for Afghan women in exile: a symbol of the struggle to overcome oppression and reach enlightenment. The women attending the event wore traditional Afghan clothing and presented a variety of programs, showcasing their deep connection to their cultural roots.
Rahel Talash, one of the organizers, described the event as more than a cultural celebration:
“Yalda for us is not just a cultural occasion; it’s a symbol of hope. Just as the sun rises after the longest night, we too believe in the dawn of a brighter future for Afghan women.”
The program included traditional music performances, recitations of uplifting poetry, and storytelling sessions highlighting resilience and perseverance. The event blended art with activism, creating a space where women could use culture and creativity as tools of resistance.
Through this celebration, Afghan women emphasized their cultural and social values, demonstrating that their voices remain unyielding even in exile. Tayeba Rastaqi, one of the participants, reflected:
“We have endured darkness, and with every opportunity, we strive to keep the light of hope alive. Yalda for us symbolizes this hope.”
One of the primary objectives of the event was to draw international attention to the dire circumstances of women in Afghanistan. The attendees urged that global support should not remain confined to verbal statements but must translate into concrete actions to improve conditions and protect Afghan women’s rights.
The Afghan women present at the event sent a clear message to the world:
“We have not only preserved our identity and culture but are using them as tools for resistance and advocacy. The global community must not remain indifferent to our fate.”
The Yalda gathering in Islamabad was a poignant blend of cultural identity and social resistance. It highlighted the power and unity of Afghan women, showing that even under the most challenging conditions, hope for a brighter future endures.
The message of Afghan women to the world is clear: they are standing firm to preserve their identity, achieve equal rights, and build a better future.
