To my dear father

This poem was written by WRN Afghanistan member Sara. You can hear Sara read the poem on our podcast released 12 August 2025.

To my dear father

My dear father, I will stand and fight

Because I am your daughter.

People say that Afghan fathers do not support their daughters against oppression,

But I tell the world that my father is not like other fathers.

I  will tell them how much you have always supported me,

How much you try to help me to get progress  in my life and serve my people and humanity.

My father, you are a miracle to this world.

I have always been a rebellious and ambitious girl. I know how difficult it has been for you to protect me from such a society and people around me since childhood,

How much you have tried so that my inner passion and ambition never goes away from me and still, among all these people who are full of grudge, hatred and jealousy, I survive and move forward.

My father,

I always cried in pain and despair,

And I gave up many times,

But you helped me with your right and considered guidance and I continued by receiving the warmth of your support on my shoulders.

My dear father,

If I had not endured all the hardships I have ever endured in my life,

If I had not had your endless support and kindness every time,

If I had given up many times when facing difficulties,

I would not be your daughter today.

Today I would not be who I am today.

My childhood dream was always that I would live in a world of peace and tranquility when I was young

And achieve whatever I wanted,

But now I have realised that life is nothing more than a battle,

My youth, when I thought I was going to live,

And pursue my dreams,

It is spent in the corner of the house.

The obstacles and dead ends are so many that they leave no room for motivation and hope.

When the hands of the oppressors are squeezing my throat more and more every moment,

I don't know how I would live now if I were not your daughter.

But I have the great honor of being your daughter, 

who will not bow down under the breathtaking attacks of the Taliban and those around me on my rights and my life.

I have learned steadfastness, courage, strength from you,

I have learned to fight for my goals from you.

I have learned to remain patient in the midst of all the suffering, ugliness, and betrayal.

I have learned to take revenge by remaining good.

My dear father,

I am strong and powerful

Because I am your daughter.

Now it is because of you that I find the courage in myself to stand up to the oppression that is being done to me and all the women and girls of my country.

Even alone

I will win

Because I am your daughter.

My dear father, I will stand and fight