INTERVIEW WITH PARVANA
My name is CJ DeVito reporting for Inside Afghanistan. I am lucky to be joined by Parvana. Parvana was just 11 years old when the Taliban took over Afghanistan. Today she has offered to share with us what it was it was like for children to live under the Taliban rule.
CJ: Parvana tell the readers what your family life was like before the Taliban took over.
Parvana: When I think about how I felt before the Taliban took over I am a little embarrassed. I used to think my life was boring. We were an average family. I had a mother, father, sisters & brothers. I went to school & was able to play outside. We worked hard and had a normal life for that time.
CJ: It sounds like you miss those simpler times. What happened when the Taliban took over?
Parvana: What didn't change? My brother Hossain stepped on a landmine planted by the Taliban and was killed. I was no longer allowed to go to school. Because I was a girl, I was also not allowed to leave the house without a male escort. I had to completely cover up. I felt like I lost all my freedom. Then, it got even worse, my father was arrested.
CJ: With no men in the household, how were you able to survive with so many restrictions?
Parvana: My family had to get creative. We decided I should dress up as a boy so I could go to the market and get supplies and work to earn money.
CJ: Wow, that must have been hard. How did that make you feel?
Parvana: I had a lot of feelings. I was sad to cut of my pretty hair. It was creepy wearing my dead brother's clothes. I was afraid I would get caught & beaten. After a while though, I felt better. I felt proud to be helping my family. Being a boy allowed me outside around people and that gave me hope.
CJ: What is one of your most memorable activities outside your home?
Parvana: One day at the market I was approached by a Taliban soldier. I thought he caught me pretending to be a boy.
CJ: That's scary. What happened next?
Parvana: The soldier asked me to read a letter. It was written to his wife from her aunt. As I read the letter a tear fell down his face. He said his wife was dead. For a brief minute I felt sad for the Taliban soldier. I had only ever thought of the soldiers as monsters.
CJ: Parvana you were a very brave girl and I appreciate you sharing your experiences. Your story will help the readers understand the challenges Afghan children faced when the Taliban was in charge.