Hello, my name is S. Moon. I am a 23-year-old woman from Afghanistan.

I am sharing my story because I have nowhere else to turn. I never imagined that one day I would have to ask strangers for help, but today I am hoping that someone will hear my voice.

Education has always been my greatest hope. I studied through many hardships and was accepted into university, believing that education would help me build a better future.

But when the Taliban banned women from attending university, my dream was taken away from me. Everything I worked so hard for suddenly stopped.

Since then, my life has become extremely difficult.

I live in a family of eleven people where women are not treated with respect. Every day, I do almost all household work from morning until night, but instead of appreciation, I face insults, humiliation, and physical abuse from my father and my brother.

My family pressures me to either find money or marry an elderly man against my will.

I do not want to lose my freedom. I only want the chance to live safely, work honestly, continue my education, and build my own future.

I have tried to find work, but because of the restrictions on women in Afghanistan, finding safe employment has become almost impossible.

I have no financial independence and struggle to afford even basic necessities.

I cannot always afford basic hygiene products. During my periods, I have had to use pieces of old fabric instead.

I also suffer from a serious stomach illness, but I had to stop my medical treatment because I cannot afford the costs.

Every day, I live with fear that if I cannot become independent soon, I may be forced into a marriage that I do not want.

I am not asking for luxury. I am asking for a chance to live with dignity, safety, and hope.

Your support can help me with basic needs, medical treatment, internet access to search for opportunities, and building a safer future.

Even a small donation or simply sharing my story can make a huge difference.

Thank you for reading my story and for giving me hope.

With hope,

S. Moon

For my safety and privacy, I am using the nickname “S. Moon” instead of my real name.