As a protesting girl, I hope that a glimmer of hope and light will soon appear in Afghanistan and that the Taliban will step down from power.

I do not see the resistance of Afghan women only in street protests. Although I wished the streets would never be empty, the very fact that Afghan women have been able to preserve their identity and continue protesting despite all dangers is itself a form of resistance. The resistance of Afghan women flows beyond the street; in the secret houses where girls are educated, in the women who teach others, in those who support one another and strive to raise awareness and build a better future.

Also, those who strive to preserve their dignity, identity, and achieve their dreams are part of these various forms of standing up. Women who teach or study in secret locations, or participate in online courses, are doing very valuable work. These efforts, in the current conditions, are important manifestations of resistance and perseverance and show that the struggle does not find meaning only in the street.

Also, women who today support and protect their families while preserving their dignity and self-respect display another form of resistance. This too is a family resistance that shows the capability, responsibility, and steadfastness of Afghan women.

Even those who, despite the repression and difficult current conditions, are still hopeful about life and continue on their path are symbols of the resistance and steadfastness of Afghan women. The fact that they have not lost hope and continue to be active in every field is itself a sign of courage and steadfastness. They have kept their thought and awareness alive, and I am proud of them and wish health for all of them.

I hope Afghan women reach that level of awareness, capability, and power that they can once again come to the streets and raise their voices. This is my wish.

The Taliban group has deprived people of their fundamental rights; from women and men to youth and children. Everyone is in a situation where widespread human rights violations cast a shadow over their lives.

People can change their destiny and lives with a united voice and raise their voices through any possible means. I know that today there is no powerful human rights mechanism or institution that can support people cohesively and guarantee their security; but we began the struggle with a single voice, while we had almost no resources at our disposal.

I accept that we could not completely change the conditions, but we were able to prevent the legitimization and official recognition of the Taliban. We also laid the foundation for the history of the struggle and resistance of protesting Afghan women; women who stood against one of the most repressive and violent groups of our time and did not silence their voice of protest.

Today, after years of struggle, I believe that the resistance of Afghan women is not limited to the street. From secret education and hidden learning to supporting the family, preserving identity, keeping hope alive, and continuing life with dignity, all are various forms of standing up. This resistance is beyond the street; a resistance that flows every day in the lives of Afghan women and promises a different future.