I have always believed that history is a progression, but in the past year I have seen my country rapidly regress to the Middle Ages. Before, women and girls were still taking small steps towards a better future. Now, just going to school has become an unattainable dream for hundreds of thousands of them. Before the Taliban came back to power, our life was great. Young students risked their lives every day to go to schools and educational centers, but the moment girls entered school, they flourished - despite the bloody attacks outside and the dire economic and security situation, we could hope for I see fruitful jobs as a doctor, engineer and lawyer

A year ago, the Taliban pledged to close girls' schools. No wonder they don't give up this dignity obligation now, women can't work or leave the house without a burqa, can't laugh, wear make-up or high heels, can't date a man who is their mahram (father, brother, husband or son) are not. They cannot go to school or university

As a student, I dreamed of myself and all the girls in my country becoming Afghanistan's future engineers, lawyers, scientists, artists, and technical experts, and inspired countless others to do the same. The school was forced to close after the Taliban regained control over our country. Many teachers have fled our country in fear of their lives

I remember . Some of my friends said: "Isn't this our right?" Is education a crime? For God's sake, billions people are going to school around the world and we are not even allowed to attend school!” The West has played a terrible game with our country for decades. I think it is the greatest crime against humanity to never allow a country to develop. Our motherland has been entrusted to a group of criminals and terrorists, and these women and girls are now paying the price.