how much of what we hear matches reality? *(will delete later)*
I’ve heard many different things about Afghanistan from the media and online discussions, and honestly, I found myself wondering what is actually true.
Instead of only relying on what I see online, I decided to ask someone who actually lives there. I spoke with Shabir, a university student from Kabul, and asked him about everyday life, women’s situation, education, safety, and the economy.
I first asked him about women’s lives in Afghanistan.
He told me that women are facing serious difficulties, especially regarding education. He said many women are deprived of educational opportunities, restricted from certain public places, and banned from government positions, which makes financial independence very difficult.
When I asked what life is like for women who are still able to study or learn, he said that many stay at home but continue learning through books and online skills. He also mentioned that in some families, girls are married at a young age.
I also asked about things I had heard online, such as whether women have access to the internet and smartphones, and whether television is banned for women.
His answers were:
- Internet and smartphones: “Yes, 60%” (his personal estimate)
- Television being banned for women: “No, it’s not true.”
I also asked him about “Bacha Posh” (girls being raised as boys), because I had heard about this practice online. He said he had heard of it but had never personally seen it, and that he believed the claim was exaggerated or false in his experience.
When I asked about dangerous areas, he mentioned that some remote areas with security issues or mines are still dangerous, especially places like Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and parts of Helmand. He said the situation can differ from one area to another.
He also shared his own experience as a student in Kabul. He said finding work is difficult, the cost of living is high, and supporting yourself as a student can be exhausting.
I know one person’s experience cannot represent an entire country, especially one as diverse as Afghanistan. But I found it interesting to hear directly from someone who lives there.
I’m curious: for people who have studied Afghanistan or lived there, how accurate do you think international media coverage is compared to everyday reality?
(I’m sharing screenshots of our conversation below. I removed personal information for privacy.)
