My name is Mursal, I am 35 years old and live in Afghanistan. Since childhood, I felt like a slave, never recognized as a human being. I endured humiliation, verbal abuse, physical violence, and psychological harm. At 14, my father forced me to marry a drug-addicted man in exchange for money.
In my father’s home, I was beaten and blamed simply for being a girl. I was denied education because “school and learning are not for girls.” After marriage, my husband was unemployed and addicted, and my in-laws carried the financial burden. My child was born malnourished, and I continued to suffer cruelty without the option of returning home. Complaints only brought more blame and silence.
Everything began to change when I joined a six-month tailoring training and literacy program funded by SowHope. Alongside learning tailoring skills, I attended literacy classes and counseling sessions. These sessions helped me come out of isolation, stop blaming myself, and overcome depression and hopelessness.
For the first time, I learned to read and write. Today, I feel strong and capable. I now believe that I can be helpful to myself, my children, and my community.
I am grateful for this project, which gave me hope, skills, and the belief that I am a valuable woman.
