What Happens When a Protest Against Violence Turns Violent?

This personal account explores the harrowing experience of an Afghan journalist who, after witnessing the brutal murder of a woman falsely accused of blasphemy, became a target herself. After surviving a stabbing, she sought refuge in the UK, where she now advocates for Afghan women's rights while rebuilding her life.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The traumatic experience of witnessing violence can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
• The justice system in Afghanistan often fails victims, particularly women.
• Relocation and asylum can provide safety but also present challenges in recovery and adaptation.
• Advocating for women's rights remains a priority for survivors of violence.
• EMDR therapy can be an effective method for processing trauma.

Witnessing a Tragedy: The Death of Farkhunda Malikzada

In March 2015, Farkhunda Malikzada, a 27-year-old woman, was brutally murdered in Kabul after being falsely accused of burning a Quran. This tragic event shocked the nation and became a significant turning point in the public discourse around women's rights in Afghanistan. The graphic footage of her death circulated widely, igniting outrage both locally and internationally.

As a journalist working for the BBC at the time, I was compelled to report on her case extensively. However, my commitment to covering Farkhunda’s story made me a target for those who felt threatened by my presence and my refusal to adhere to conservative dress codes. Being a woman in Afghanistan means facing scrutiny, and I soon realised that my journalistic integrity put my life at risk.

The Aftermath of Farkhunda's Death

The fallout from Farkhunda's murder was profound. Many women in Afghanistan began to protest against the injustices they faced, and I found myself deeply frustrated by the apparent lack of progress within the justice system. Some of her killers were released pending appeal, which further fueled my determination to stand up for her memory.

Becoming a Target: The Stabbing Incident

As I took part in a meeting of women protesting in memory of Farkhunda, I was suddenly attacked. A man approached me with a look of rage, and before I fully understood what was happening, I felt a sharp pain in my back. I had been stabbed. In that moment, all I could think about was preventing him from escaping and ensuring that justice would be served.

After the attack, I was rushed to the hospital. Despite the physical pain, my thoughts were centred on my family and the fear of losing my job. I felt utterly helpless and isolated. Once the doctors confirmed I had been stabbed and treated my wounds, I knew I needed to leave Afghanistan for my own safety.

Choosing to Leave: Seeking Asylum in the UK

Following the attack, I applied for sick leave and went to India for treatment. My time there turned into several months as I focused on both my physical and emotional recovery. The trauma I had experienced was too great to simply brush aside.

When I eventually sought to return to Kabul, the BBC informed me that they could no longer guarantee my safety. Faced with this grim reality, I applied for asylum in the UK with their support. My application was granted, and I arrived in the UK, hoping to find a new beginning.

Life in the UK: Struggling with PTSD

Upon settling in the UK, I enrolled in a course at Oxford University. However, the shadows of my past loomed large, as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) haunted my daily life. I found myself afraid to leave my home alone, grappling with the invisible wounds that the stabbing had left behind.

Despite my efforts to write about Afghan women for various media outlets, my passion for journalism had dimmed. The trauma I had endured prevented me from engaging with my work in a meaningful way. It was during this time that I began to encounter victim-blaming attitudes, even in the UK, which only compounded my feelings of isolation and frustration.

Transforming Pain into Purpose: A New Career

Recognising the need for a change, I decided to resign from my job and retrain as a nurse. This decision was motivated by a desire to help others, transforming my pain into purpose. Around this time, I also began receiving Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a method that has proven effective in helping individuals process traumatic memories and emotions.

Healing and Advocacy: A New Mission

Through my work as a nurse, I feel that I am not only treating my own wounds but also those of my patients. Each interaction is an opportunity to contribute to healing, both personally and within the broader context of my homeland. While I work in the UK, I remain committed to raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by women in Afghanistan.

The situation for women has only worsened since my departure, particularly under the Taliban's renewed grip on power. In Kabul, women's rights have been severely curtailed, and it often feels as though my homeland has become a prison for half its population. The fear of who might become the next victim weighs heavily on my heart.

Reflections on Survival and Responsibility

When I reflect on the memories of my stabbing, it feels surreal, as if I were watching a horror movie. Surviving such a traumatic event has left an indelible mark on my life. While I know I will never fully overcome the trauma, I am focused on rebuilding my life and using my experiences to advocate for others.

My responsibility to the women back home is clear: to fight for their rights, to tell their stories, and to give them a voice. It is a mission that drives me, reminding me that even in the darkest times, hope can emerge from suffering.

FAQs

What happened to Farkhunda Malikzada?

Farkhunda Malikzada was brutally murdered in Kabul in March 2015 after being falsely accused of burning the Quran. Her death sparked national and international outrage.

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychological treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional distress associated with them.

Why did the journalist leave Afghanistan?

The journalist left Afghanistan due to safety concerns following a stabbing incident and the inability of the justice system to protect her from further harm. She sought asylum in the UK for a fresh start.

What challenges do women face in Afghanistan now?

Under the Taliban regime, Afghan women face severe restrictions on their rights, including limited access to education, employment, and freedom of movement, creating a climate of fear and oppression.

How can people support women's rights in Afghanistan?

Raising awareness, donating to reputable organisations, and advocating for policy changes that support women's rights in Afghanistan are crucial steps individuals can take to help.

As I continue my journey towards healing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to advocate for Afghan women. Their stories deserve to be heard, and their rights must be fought for. The road ahead may be long, but together, we can strive for a future where every woman is free to live without fear. #AfghanWomen #TraumaRecovery #WomenRights