25/09/2025
Compassion in action
Once a week we meet a group of Afghan women over the internet. We share Tapping, Havening, Do-In, poetry, prayers, journalling. The meetings have to be done at the highest possible level of security to not disclose anybody´s identity. Because women in Afghanistan are not allowed to be in contact with the outside world.
Now the Talibans are closing down the fiber internet, province by province. The internet has been the only open door for women.
The women in the group are lawyers, doctors, teachers, students and confined in their houses. But since the Taliban took over in August 2021 women and girls are not allowed to work, study or even go to school. Not leave the house without a conditioned es**rt. Not to teach at university or continue any studies. Not going to school. Women are locked down. The Taliban rule has been called Gender apartheid.
They love doing the FAST techniques. That has become a window of relief bringing in some fresh air.
The initiator of the network of women refuses to be silenced. In spite of high level danger she has produced online resources so that women can continue learning. Writing poetry and encouraging others to do the same. Interviewing women and getting the articles published online anonymously. Talking about women's situations via link at conferences. As well as organizing this mentoring group for women.
One activity has been possible for women - to teach small groups of girls in the home. Now the Talibans have also banned women from doing this too.
Here is what one of the women shared when she was still able to home school a group of young women in science, maths and poetry:
“I want to tell you about girls who, even though only children, carry pain and suffering. Girls who by the weight of their trauma could retreat to a corner of the room to cry silently. But every day, I stand by them, give them hope, encourage them, and remind them that this darkness is not the end.
Today, I asked them to stand in front of the class and speak about their dreams and goals. Some of them couldn’t hold back their tears. They couldn`t find anything to say.
So, gently, I asked them to join me in practicing a Tapping technique I learned from you.
That simple yet powerful technique transported them from a world of pain to a peaceful, flower-filled place. A place where their minds felt light, and smiles returned to their faces.
When I asked them to share what they felt, each described a different, beautiful vision.
One said, “I imagined myself so successful that the global economy depended on me, and I was working to build a better world.”
Another said, “I became a skilled doctor, and people from around the world came to me for treatment.”
These dreams felt real to them. I could see the excitement and faith shining in their eyes. They asked me to keep doing this exercise with them, saying it helped them feel more relaxed and less stressed.
And I… I am deeply grateful.. Because with just one technique you taught me, I’ve been able to help at least thirty Afghan girls find their way out of darkness and into at least being able to dream of a future of light, and possibilities, free from stress and despair. “
Now these girls have to stay at home. No more science and maths. No searching for knowledge on the internet. Support women in Afghanistan. Voice out to your parliamentarians. Donate to our FAST initiative in Afghanistan for mobile internet so they can be connected. That might be the next door closing.
