Afghanistan

Shukria's Story...and Hagar's Response

At the age of 14 Shukria’s* father promised her to a 45-year-old man in marriage. While they were engaged, the man raped Shukria and she became pregnant. Bringing shame upon the whole family, they poisoned her. By God’s grace, she lived. Understanding that if she remained at home, she would be killed, Shukria ran away. Pregnant and alone at the age of 14, she had nowhere to go and no one to ask for help. A police man found her living on the street and they fell in love. Soon after, both were arrested.

Shukria was convicted of running away from her husband as well as having an affair with another man. Without a trial, she was put in prison. Shukria and her daughter have served 2 years of a 7 year sentence. When Shukria is released, she will once again have nowhere to go and no one to support her and her daughter. She is illiterate and has no education. She has no home, no money, no family and no support services to fall back on. Shukria is a ‘Hagar’. 

Hagar's Response

Over four months in 2011, Hagar Afghanistan staff listened to Shukria's story and more than 200 others. Our hearts were broken over and over, by stories of women and children who have been rejected by society. Here are some exerpts:

"I cannot tell my mother or he will kill her." Soraya, age 13, raped by her uncle and forced to have an abortion.

"I have no hope for the future." Aziza, age 24, serving 11 years in prison for fleeing a forced marriage.

"My daughter is the only capital our family has." Mina, age 13, was trafficked for sex by her mother

"I have no place to go." Basir, age 8, raped and sold for sex by ‘bigger’ kids living on the street

Our Next Step

These heartbreaking stories have motivated Hagar to declare its next step - a Transitional Care Center for women and children in Kabul. The program will offer secure housing, counseling, education, and job training. Due to the unique and challenging conditions in Afghanistan, Hagar is adapting its model of social enterprise. Survivors must be equipped with skills and employment opportunities to support themselves and live freely in society. Join us in bringing hope and healing to women and girls: 

Watch a video about the conditions in Afghanistan.
Learn more about Hagar's work in Afghanistan
Help Hagar open the Transitional Care Center
Read Hasti's Story
Listen to a radio interview with Hagar Afghanistan
 

 

*Hagar pursues the highest degree of care and protection for each of its clients. To protect the identity of our clients, names have been changed and pictures do not depict the individual profiled.

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