-Harsh Christmas for Women in Afghanistan, but Global Support…

This email was sent out on the evening of December 24, 2022. Below it are the responses that have been coming in from supporters since that night…

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Dear MEPO and Garden of Flowers supporters, 

Three days ago, we heard from our teachers at the Garden of Flowers that they were heading home early, joining the three day strike of professional women in response to the Taliban’s edict barring women from universities. We were proud, and glad to hear that the women of Afghanistan including our teachers were not standing by for this ridiculous behavior.  We were also proud of the men at the GoF who are in support of the women going on strike. Nik Mohammad and Hedayat kept the school open, teaching and feeding the children during those days.

We were hoping that with the strike and protests perhaps there would be some change, maybe a reconsideration of the rule. But then tonight, on Christmas Eve, our teacher Fatima sent us a copy of an official government letter from the Ministry of the Economy banning women from working in NGOs. We thought perhaps it was a special case, some misunderstanding. Surely it couldn’t be true. But as we watch this news filling the international headlines tonight, it is clear that it is anything but a special case. It is a new reality right now.

This is a disaster on every level. And closer to home, this means our teachers will not be allowed to work. They will not be able to be with the children at the Garden of Flowers until further notice. Certainly it is a situation beyond words. Fatima and Razia are sending many sad-face emojis. 🥺🥺😒😟😔 They don’t know what else to say. 

Every Sunday we have our whatsapp video team meeting, so tomorrow we will talk with them and offer as much support as we can as we all try to figure out what to do. We will see if the men can continue to keep the school open, and we will be in close contact with Fatima and Razia while they’re at home, to keep their spirits up. 

Internationally, this criminal behavior by the Taliban is being immediately and fully condemned, including by leaders in the Islamic world such as the heads of Islamic universities. What we have to hope is that this pressure from powerful Muslim voices will have an effect. And we also think that the women of Afghanistan will continue to bravely and a great risk, stand up for themselves, also strengthened and inspired by the women of Iran, who are waging their own battles. We must remember that such crimes against women are crimes against humanity.

So we ask of you tonight to stand with the women of Afghanistan in spirit, and if you have any creative ideas for ways to support the women and overturn this regressive and backwards system, please act! 

Hoping for change in 2023,

The MEPO Team, Mostafa and Allison

RESPONSES TO THIS EMAIL FROM PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD:

• Such injustice. Praying for a good outcome.     (from L. in England)

• Thank you for this. Our hearts are heavy for the women of Afghanistan but we will begin a campaign of prayer throughout 2023 for them and we will not  stop praying until justice for women is established. Praying for change.     (from B. in Ireland)

• This is so sad for everyone. Another NGO in Afghanistan is figuring out ways to provide education in the home.     (from G in the US)

• Ja, das ist ein schwerer Schlag – wenn er auch angesichts der Ereignisse der letzten Wochen nahezu vorauszusehen war.  (Yes, this is a heavy blow – even if it was almost foreseeable in light of the events of the past week.)   (from R in Austria)

• This news is both heart wrenching and infuriating!! You are absolutely right that this is a crime against humanity—all of humanity!! When women are banned, all suffer! I am at a loss of ideas but if there is anything I can do to support Fatima and Razia, and the Garden of Flowers in general, I would love to. This is truly devastating, but if there is any way around it I’d love to help! Please convey my love, concern, and support to Fatima and Razia!        (from V in the US)

• this email was really SAD. how you can divide women from the society? even in the NGOs. i can not tell what was my feelings . a wave of blood pressure i felt inside . i have not any Idea but praying to another GOD! with respect to all of MEPO efforts.  (from S in Iran)

• What a disaster! (from L in US)

• This email and the news from Afghanistan is just heartbreaking and devastating. In fact, with what’s happening in Iran and Afghanistan, I no longer have words to describe how I feel…   (from S in US)

• My heart goes out to all of the amazing people who have kept the Garden of Flowers and its other configurations open for the children all these years!! May you be blessed with inspiration for keeping this idea alive so that some day it will be possible for it to flourish again. Meanwhile I also hope that the men can step up and be empowered (and allowed) to keep GOF functioning – perhaps they will be the new face of Montessori in Afghanistan.   (from C in US)

• This is such devastating news. I will keep all in my prayers. The Taliban are so evil!!! Don’t see how they can foresee any type of future success for their country when they abuse half the population. (from M in US)