Spogmai Akseer

So Far Away: Voices of Rural Afghan Women Spogmai Akseer

''Sinzela felt her appearance made her vulnerable because it was associated with the village life, which was not considered modern at all. They would wear skirts, and they had short haircuts like men. And they looked at us like we just came from the jungle?'' (Sinzela, Interview Two) Sinzela''s experiences are not unique, but rather reflect the voices of countless women throughout rural Afghanistan. For years, these women have lived sheltered and isolated lives, that have limited their opportunity, especially in regards to education. This book provides a unique opportunity to hear voices of rural Paxtun women, a group that is further marginalized due to their practices of a strict patriarchal code. The author, raised in the rural Afghan tradition, shares her experiences of growing up in Afghanistan and Canada.