BAHARIN LEHIB

Kabul- Afghan women face restrictions in all facets of life due to traditional and patriarchal society in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, women have been erased from public life, education and working life. The first woman, who took up horse riding in Afghanistan was “Rabojan”. She had to dress up like a man to achieve her dream, horse riding.

They ride horses despite bans and restrictions

For two decades, Afghan women have made great efforts to prove their presence in society. A group of women and girls in Afghanistan’s Bamyan and Parwan provinces show an interest in horse riding and they want to continue their training despite opposition from their families and society.

Two sisters in Parwan province

Leila Forough and her sister Asma Forough are two women, who have horses in Parwan province. “I was just thirteen years old when I first rode a horse,” Leila Forough told NuJINHA. “When I was on the horse, I felt like I was flying. My sister Asma and I ride horses every day. We wanted to join a horseback riding competition in Bamyan; however, convincing our family was very difficult. Our family accepted but on one condition; we would not reveal our identities. We accepted this condition to achieve our dream.”

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the women’s equestrian team in Bamyan disintegrated. “We cannot train freely due to the Taliban’s restrictions,” said Leila. “But our family stands with us, allowing us to train near our house. The restrictions and bans will surely end one day and we will be free.”