If peace returns, Nawrozi will set up libraries for rural women

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): A young woman, who has set up a library for women in southern Helmand province, says literate mothers raise educated children in society. Educated children, who never get involved in war and corruption, work for peace and development.

Humaira Nawrozi, 22, a resident of Helmand, has graduated from a nursing course. She is currently working as a nurse at the main provincial hospital in Lashkargah.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Humaira — who has set up the only library for women in Lashkargah, explained the books were not her own and that they belonged to others and would be returned to them.

“When I’m on duty in hospital, women from all over the province come. Many of them are abused and beaten by their husbands, fathers and brothers. But they say nothing. When asked, they reply it is the right of their male patriarchs.”

Humaira Nawrozi believed if these women are given proper awareness, education and reading facilities, they would learn that no one reserved the right to commit violence against them.

“I set up this library to provide a partial solution to women’s problems and raise their awareness level, because a literate mother gives literate children to society. Literate children never go to war and avoid corruption. They always work for peace and development,” she maintained.

Nawrozi opined reading could have a profound positive effect on all aspects of life. Any avid reader would always think about and strive for public welfare and peace, the nurse affirmed.

In response to a question, she said: “Peace means conditions or a situation where all values of life are respected and people live in a harmonious environment and where there is no discrimination between men and women.”

If Afghanistan achieved a lasting peace; like men, women would also work tirelessly for the development and strengthening of the country in all areas, the enterprising young woman added.

“If there is peace, I will set up libraries for women in other provinces, even in remote districts, so that they can study and their living standards change,” Nawrozi promised.

In case the security environment worsened, she would be left with no option but close the only library for women in the provincial capital. All her hopes and ambitions would be shattered, she said.

However, she noted, recent national and international efforts were promising. She saw a possibility of peace prevailing in the country and people heaving a sigh of relief after a long time.

Nawrozi said three to five women visited the library daily, but the number would increase over time. “Reading in the library is free. But if any woman takes a book home, we charge her 10 afghanis a week,” she elaborated.

Asking government officials and the general to support her initiative, she has established the library at a time when five districts of the province are under Taliban’s control. Fighting between government forces and the Taliban has been raging in parts of the capital, over the past few months.

sa/mud

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