In a far-off village in the mountains, where traditions ruled and people’s rights were often compromised, even within their own families, lived an unfortunate girl who dreamt of learning.

Her name was Zarmeen. She was 15. Her older brother, Saad, studied in the city and lived in a hostel. He was educated — his mind unbound by the traditional and societal chains that often silenced basic rights. There was hope in him, a quiet promise that he would not let his sister grow up voiceless. He would give her what she truly deserved: books to ignite her mind, ideas to shape her world, and a voice to claim her place in it.

But when it was time to turn her dream into reality, a storm started to brew — a storm of whispers that grew into the loud, disapproving voices of the elders.

A jirga, the meeting for the village elders, was called. White beards nodded in solemn agreement. Angry eyes burned with judgement. The decision was made by the elders of the village.

“Saad has finished his studies, so........

© Dawn Young Magazine