The woman pictured on the Time cover above, Bibi Aisha, is an 18 year old girl. Aisha was punished for leaving her husband (who she was forced to marry as a teenager) and abusive in-laws, by having her ears and nose cut off. Although Aisha cannot read or write, she bravely agreed to pose for this photograph to help bring attention to the horrors women in Afghanistan face under Taliban leadership.
Keep in mind, this wasn’t a random act of violence. This was her PUNISHMENT handed down by a local judge, and her husband was the one who actually wielded the knife.
Even more upsetting is the fact that this is not an isolated incident, the Taliban is known for their incredibly cruel punishment for “crimes”, incidents that we wouldn’t even bat an eye at in the U.S. For example, just recently a couple was stoned to death. Their crime? Eloping. A 41 year old woman was flogged 200 times and then shot in the head 3 times for allegedly committing adultery.
Aisha miraculously survived her ordeal, and is being brought to the U.S. for safety reasons and to have her ears and nose rebuilt surgically. But while the doctors here may be able to rebuild her face it is no one will be able to remove the damage done to her emotionally. My heart breaks for this woman, and for the countless women who have been through similar ordeals without being able to share their story.
I cannot for one second imagine what life is like for a woman living in Afghanistan. To be trapped in a world where you are not allowed to make decisions, not allowed to have opinions, where you are not even allowed to get an education in many cases. Beaten and forced into submission by your husband and family. I can tell you that it makes me all the more grateful and proud to be a Canadian, and to have the opportunity to live in the United States.
Sometimes it’s good to take a look around the world and inject a little humility into our lives. Take a moment to be grateful today.
