Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to&nbsp;disguise&nbsp;herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group.

Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime.

Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was&nbsp;able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/times-have-changed-pictures-of-afghan-women-before-taliban-rule-go-viral-406508" hreflang="en">'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral</a>

When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee,&nbsp;Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel&nbsp;“The secret of my turban.”

The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim.

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Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda!
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Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States&nbsp;“sold the film" of peace&nbsp;that was a&nbsp;"lie."&nbsp;

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According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a&nbsp;betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says.

Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.&nbsp;

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago.

Writer Nadia Ghulam, an Afghan refugee living in Catalonia, Spain, had to disguise herself as a man to survive the 'torture' of the Taliban during its rule two decades ago. Her poignant story is re-emerging as a point of discussion as Afghanistan is back in the control of the militant group. Her life, like many other Afghan women, has been marked by the consequences of a cruel civil war, hunger, and the Taliban regime. Nadia, born in 1985, dressed like a man for 10 years just to go to work and support her family. She was able to leave Afghanistan thanks to an NGO 15 years ago for treatment for wounds caused by a bomb, but her family remains in the country. Also see| 'Times have changed': Pictures of Afghan women before Taliban rule go viral When she got settled in Catalonia as an Afghan refugee, Nadia wanted to explain her story, and she did so with the collaboration of the journalist Agnès Rotger in the novel “The secret of my turban.” The book won the prestigious prize Prudenci Bertrana, 2010 and achieved national critical acclaim. Ens estan torturant. La meva família demana ajuda i se sent impotent, amb molta por i dolor pel nostre país i sobretot la nostra gent. No mireu cap a una altra banda! — Nadia ghulam (@nadiaghulam) August 15, 2021 × Ghulam has warned for years that the Taliban had never left Afghanistan, but rather the United States “sold the film" of peace that was a "lie." According to Ghulam, the attitude of the United States, the European Union and other international forces that have been in Afghanistan for years is "more than a betrayal" as she says they have armed the population, spurred governments marked by corruption, and are now leaving. “It's all out of control," she says. Ghulam leads the Bridges for Peace association from Badalona, an organisation that helps 35 girls in Afghanistan go to school and read.

Nadia Ghulam: The woman who disguised herself as a man for 10 years to survive 'torture' of Taliban

It has been three days since the Taliban controlled Kabul and seized control over the dreams of millions of Afghans, the women in Afghanistan fear the worst at this point. WION tells you what does future holds for Afghan women?

As the Taliban return to Kabul, what does future holds for Afghan women?

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country.

A statement issued by Qatar on Friday following two separate meetings on Afghanistan in Doha said the participating countries agreed that the Afghan peace process needs to be accelerated as a matter of "great urgency".

The statement came as the Taliban continued its onslaught capturing several key cities in the last couple of days including Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan's second and third largest cities while significantly expanding its territorial control across the country.

It said the participants urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to build trust and accelerate efforts to reach a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible.

The first meeting on August 19 was joined by the representatives of China, Uzbekistan, the US, Pakistan, the UK, Qatar, the UN and the European Union, the Qatari foreign ministry said.

The second meeting on August 12 was attended by representatives of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, the US and the UN, it said.

J P Singh, the Joint Secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India at the second meeting hosted by Qatar.

"Participants raised grave concerns about reports from across Afghanistan concerning continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities," the Qatari foreign ministry said.

It said the countries reaffirmed that they will not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force.

"Participants committed to assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides," the statement said.

The countries also mentioned the converging statements from both sides on "guiding principles" for a political settlement such as inclusive governance, respect for human rights, including the rights of women and minorities, a mechanism to deliver a representative government, a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries and respect for international law.

"Participants called on all Afghan sides to act by these principles and build on them in the future political settlement," the statement said.

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country.

India, Germany, Qatar, Turkey and several other nations have reaffirmed to not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force and called for an immediate end to violence and attacks in the war-torn country. A statement issued by Qatar on Friday following two separate meetings on Afghanistan in Doha said the participating countries agreed that the Afghan peace process needs to be accelerated as a matter of "great urgency". The statement came as the Taliban continued its onslaught capturing several key cities in the last couple of days including Kandahar and Herat, Afghanistan's second and third largest cities while significantly expanding its territorial control across the country. It said the participants urged the Taliban and the Afghan government to build trust and accelerate efforts to reach a political settlement and comprehensive ceasefire as quickly as possible. The first meeting on August 19 was joined by the representatives of China, Uzbekistan, the US, Pakistan, the UK, Qatar, the UN and the European Union, the Qatari foreign ministry said. The second meeting on August 12 was attended by representatives of Germany, India, Norway, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, the US and the UN, it said. J P Singh, the Joint Secretary in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India at the second meeting hosted by Qatar. "Participants raised grave concerns about reports from across Afghanistan concerning continued violence, large numbers of civilian casualties and extra-judicial killings, widespread and credible allegations of human rights violations, all attacks (ground and air) against provincial capitals and cities," the Qatari foreign ministry said. It said the countries reaffirmed that they will not recognise any government in Afghanistan that is imposed through the use of military force. "Participants committed to assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan once a viable political settlement is reached following good faith negotiations between the two sides," the statement said. The countries also mentioned the converging statements from both sides on "guiding principles" for a political settlement such as inclusive governance, respect for human rights, including the rights of women and minorities, a mechanism to deliver a representative government, a commitment to not allow any individuals or groups to use the soil of Afghanistan to threaten the security of other countries and respect for international law. "Participants called on all Afghan sides to act by these principles and build on them in the future political settlement," the statement said.

India, several other nations reaffirm not to recognise govt imposed through use of force in Afghanistan

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces.

A NATO official in Brussels also told Pajhwok Afghan News that allies are constantly consulting on the situation in Afghanistan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in regular contact with Allies and the Afghan authorities.

"NATO is monitoring the security situation very closely. We continue to coordinate with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community. We continue to maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul. As the security of our personnel is paramount," NATO official informed.

His remarks came soon after a media report informed that several foreign terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda are aiding the Taliban which is rapidly advancing in Afghanistan.

The Taliban escalated its offensive against the Afghan forces soon after the US forces started leaving Afghanistan in large numbers after the peace deal signed between Washington and the Taliban in February last year. On Wednesday, President Ashraf Ghani also appointed a new chief of army staff in an attempt to give a robust response to the terror group on the ground.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members along with European Union and the United Nations on Friday confirmed that they will not recognize any government in Afghanistan imposed through armed forces. A NATO official in Brussels also told Pajhwok Afghan News that allies are constantly consulting on the situation in Afghanistan. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is in regular contact with Allies and the Afghan authorities. "NATO is monitoring the security situation very closely. We continue to coordinate with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community. We continue to maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul. As the security of our personnel is paramount," NATO official informed. His remarks came soon after a media report informed that several foreign terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda are aiding the Taliban which is rapidly advancing in Afghanistan. The Taliban escalated its offensive against the Afghan forces soon after the US forces started leaving Afghanistan in large numbers after the peace deal signed between Washington and the Taliban in February last year. On Wednesday, President Ashraf Ghani also appointed a new chief of army staff in an attempt to give a robust response to the terror group on the ground.

Afghanistan: NATO, EU, UN confirm they will not recognise govt formed through military

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops.

In addition,&nbsp;Taliban commanders have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become “wives” for their fighters—a form of sexual violence, human-rights groups say.&nbsp;

According to a media report on Thursday, the Taliban gains momentum in Afghanistan by taking numerous important cities. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-to-dark-days-taliban-impose-strict-restrictions-on-women-media-in-afghanistans-north-397124">Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north</a>

In the Taliban's newly seized regions, Afghans are also seeing the Taliban's execution of captive soldiers and unjustified attacks on civilians.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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According to information obtained by the US Embassy in Kabul on Thursday, the Taliban were executing members of the Afghan military who had surrendered.

On Twitter, the embassy wrote, "Deeply disturbing &amp; might constitute war crimes."&nbsp;

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We’re hearing additional reports of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> executions of surrendering Afghan troops. Deeply disturbing &amp; could constitute war crimes.
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Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, denied the organisation had murdered any captives, claiming that doing so would be against the party's values.

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He also denied claims that the Taliban was forcing women into marriage, saying that such measures would be against Islamic law and cultural custom.&nbsp;

Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters.

The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops.

Citizens of Afghanistan who have fled to Kabul and those who remain in Taliban-controlled regions say they have witnessed unjustified assaults on civilians and the execution of captured troops. In addition, Taliban commanders have demanded that communities turn over unmarried women to become “wives” for their fighters—a form of sexual violence, human-rights groups say. According to a media report on Thursday, the Taliban gains momentum in Afghanistan by taking numerous important cities. Also read: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north In the Taliban's newly seized regions, Afghans are also seeing the Taliban's execution of captive soldiers and unjustified attacks on civilians. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing According to information obtained by the US Embassy in Kabul on Thursday, the Taliban were executing members of the Afghan military who had surrendered. On Twitter, the embassy wrote, "Deeply disturbing & might constitute war crimes." We’re hearing additional reports of #Taliban executions of surrendering Afghan troops. Deeply disturbing & could constitute war crimes. — U.S. Embassy Kabul (@USEmbassyKabul) August 12, 2021 × Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesperson, denied the organisation had murdered any captives, claiming that doing so would be against the party's values. He also denied claims that the Taliban was forcing women into marriage, saying that such measures would be against Islamic law and cultural custom. Following an eight-day blitz into metropolitan centres by the Taliban, the Afghan government has virtually lost control of the majority of the nation, shocking Kabul's American supporters. The attack began in early May after the US and its allies had almost completely withdrawn their soldiers from Afghanistan, with President Joe Biden aiming to bring the two-decade-long war to a close-by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Forced to be 'wives' of the Taliban: Afghan women face sexual violence 

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in&nbsp;Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes.

Waking up in hospital, everything was dark.

"I asked the doctors, why I can't see anything? They told me that my eyes are still bandaged because of the wounds. But at that moment, I knew my eyes had been taken from me," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-former-tv-presenter-killed-in-bomb-attack-341429" hreflang="en">Afghanistan: Former TV presenter killed in bomb attack</a>

She and local authorities blame the attack on Taliban militants - who deny involvement – and say the assailants acted on a tip-off from her father who vehemently opposed her working outside the home.

For Khatera, the attack caused not just the loss of her sight but the loss of a dream she had battled to achieve - to have an independent career. She joined the Ghazni police as an officer in its crime branch a few months ago.

"I wish I had served in police at least a year. If this had happened to me after that, it would have been less painful. It happened too soon ... I only got to work and live my dream for three months," she told Reuters.

The attack on Khatera, who only uses one name, is indicative of a growing trend, human rights activists say, of an intense and often violent backlash against women taking jobs, especially in public roles. In Khatera's case, being a police officer could have also angered the Taliban.

The rights activists believe a mix of&nbsp;Afghanistan's conservative social norms and an emboldened Taliban gaining influence while the United States withdraws its troops from the country is driving the escalation.

The Taliban are currently negotiating in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government to broker a peace deal in which many expect them to formally return to power, but progress is slow and there has been an uptick in fighting and attacks on officials and prominent women around the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghanistan-forces-receive-military-vehicles-from-us-341089" hreflang="en">Afghanistan forces receive military vehicles from US</a>

In recent months, the Taliban have said they will respect women's rights under Sharia law but many educated women say they have doubts. The insurgent group has opposed a reform to add mother's names to identity cards, one of the first concrete stances they have revealed on women's rights as they engage in the peace process.

"Though the situation for Afghan women in public roles has always been perilous, the recent spike in violence across the country has made matters even worse," said Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International's&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;campaigner. "The great strides made on women's rights in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;over more than a decade must not become a casualty of any peace deal with the Taliban."

&nbsp;

CHILDHOOD DREAM DASHED

Khatera's dream as a child was to work outside the home and after years of trying to convince her father, to no avail, she was able to find support from her husband.

But her father, she said, did not give up on his opposition.

"Many times, as I went to duty, I saw my father following me ... he started contacting the Taliban in the nearby area and asked them to prevent me from going to my job," she said.

She said that he provided the Taliban with a copy of her ID card to prove she worked for police and that he had called her throughout the day she was attacked, asking for her location.

Ghazni's police spokesman confirmed they believed the Taliban were behind the attack and that Khatera's father had been taken into custody. Reuters was unable to reach him directly for comment.

A Taliban spokesman said the group was aware of the case, but that it was a family matter and they were not involved.

Khatera and her family, including five children, are now hiding out in Kabul, where she is recovering and mourning the career she lost.

She struggles to sleep, jumps when she hears a motorbike and has had to cut off contact with her extended family, including her mother, who blame her for her father's arrest. She hopes desperately that a doctor overseas might somehow be able to partially restore her sight.

"If it is possible, I get back my eyesight, I will resume my job and serve in the police again," she said, adding in part she needed an income to avoid destitution. "But the main reason is my passion to do a job outside the home."

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes.

The last thing 33-year-old Khatera saw were the three men on a motorcycle who attacked her just after she left her job at a police station in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, shooting at her and stabbing her with a knife in the eyes. Waking up in hospital, everything was dark. "I asked the doctors, why I can't see anything? They told me that my eyes are still bandaged because of the wounds. But at that moment, I knew my eyes had been taken from me," she said. Also read: Afghanistan: Former TV presenter killed in bomb attack She and local authorities blame the attack on Taliban militants - who deny involvement – and say the assailants acted on a tip-off from her father who vehemently opposed her working outside the home. For Khatera, the attack caused not just the loss of her sight but the loss of a dream she had battled to achieve - to have an independent career. She joined the Ghazni police as an officer in its crime branch a few months ago. "I wish I had served in police at least a year. If this had happened to me after that, it would have been less painful. It happened too soon ... I only got to work and live my dream for three months," she told Reuters. The attack on Khatera, who only uses one name, is indicative of a growing trend, human rights activists say, of an intense and often violent backlash against women taking jobs, especially in public roles. In Khatera's case, being a police officer could have also angered the Taliban. The rights activists believe a mix of Afghanistan's conservative social norms and an emboldened Taliban gaining influence while the United States withdraws its troops from the country is driving the escalation. The Taliban are currently negotiating in Doha, Qatar, with the Afghan government to broker a peace deal in which many expect them to formally return to power, but progress is slow and there has been an uptick in fighting and attacks on officials and prominent women around the country. Also read: Afghanistan forces receive military vehicles from US In recent months, the Taliban have said they will respect women's rights under Sharia law but many educated women say they have doubts. The insurgent group has opposed a reform to add mother's names to identity cards, one of the first concrete stances they have revealed on women's rights as they engage in the peace process. "Though the situation for Afghan women in public roles has always been perilous, the recent spike in violence across the country has made matters even worse," said Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International's Afghanistan campaigner. "The great strides made on women's rights in Afghanistan over more than a decade must not become a casualty of any peace deal with the Taliban." CHILDHOOD DREAM DASHED Khatera's dream as a child was to work outside the home and after years of trying to convince her father, to no avail, she was able to find support from her husband. But her father, she said, did not give up on his opposition. "Many times, as I went to duty, I saw my father following me ... he started contacting the Taliban in the nearby area and asked them to prevent me from going to my job," she said. She said that he provided the Taliban with a copy of her ID card to prove she worked for police and that he had called her throughout the day she was attacked, asking for her location. Ghazni's police spokesman confirmed they believed the Taliban were behind the attack and that Khatera's father had been taken into custody. Reuters was unable to reach him directly for comment. A Taliban spokesman said the group was aware of the case, but that it was a family matter and they were not involved. Khatera and her family, including five children, are now hiding out in Kabul, where she is recovering and mourning the career she lost. She struggles to sleep, jumps when she hears a motorbike and has had to cut off contact with her extended family, including her mother, who blame her for her father's arrest. She hopes desperately that a doctor overseas might somehow be able to partially restore her sight. "If it is possible, I get back my eyesight, I will resume my job and serve in the police again," she said, adding in part she needed an income to avoid destitution. "But the main reason is my passion to do a job outside the home."

Afghanistan: Police woman shot and blinded for getting a job

Afghanistan's&nbsp;President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's&nbsp;ID cards.

The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now.

Working under the hashtag of #WhereIsMyName, a campaign was launched three years ago and it was successful in getting attention from high-profile personalities form the entertainemtn and political world.

As per the new amendment, the names of mothers will also now be included on the national ID cards, ending decades-long practise of keeping women behind the curtains.

Women in Afghanistan do not have their names listen at majority of the places — from weddings cards to tombstones. The practice was brought to light under this campaign and activists have since been fighting to abolish it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-negotiators-to-discuss-reduction-of-violence-in-taliban-talks-327203">Also read:&nbsp;Afghan negotiators to discuss reduction of violence in Taliban talks</a>

Under the campaign, celebrities and locals started introducing themselves with their mother's name on social media.

"There is no doubt that this victory is the result of persistent campaign and consonance among the campaigners and citizens," she said.

"The government also stood by the citizens, and I express my gratitude to the president himself and his deputies for their support. I also thank everyone, men and women who supported our campaign and raised their voice, and congratulate all equal rights campaigners [on this victory]," Laleh Osmany, founder of the #WhereIsMyName campaign, told the BBC Afghan service.

The decision has come at an important time when Afghainstan government and Taliban are trying to establish a peace deal.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's ID cards. The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now.

Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani has signed into law an amendment stating that women's names will be included on children's ID cards. The decision was long overdue as the women campaigners had ben fighting for their rights for more than three years now. Working under the hashtag of #WhereIsMyName, a campaign was launched three years ago and it was successful in getting attention from high-profile personalities form the entertainemtn and political world. As per the new amendment, the names of mothers will also now be included on the national ID cards, ending decades-long practise of keeping women behind the curtains. Women in Afghanistan do not have their names listen at majority of the places — from weddings cards to tombstones. The practice was brought to light under this campaign and activists have since been fighting to abolish it. Also read: Afghan negotiators to discuss reduction of violence in Taliban talks Under the campaign, celebrities and locals started introducing themselves with their mother's name on social media. "There is no doubt that this victory is the result of persistent campaign and consonance among the campaigners and citizens," she said. "The government also stood by the citizens, and I express my gratitude to the president himself and his deputies for their support. I also thank everyone, men and women who supported our campaign and raised their voice, and congratulate all equal rights campaigners [on this victory]," Laleh Osmany, founder of the #WhereIsMyName campaign, told the BBC Afghan service. The decision has come at an important time when Afghainstan government and Taliban are trying to establish a peace deal.

Afghanistan women to have names included on national ID card after #WhereIsMyName trends

In war-torn Afghanistan, honey is regarded as a traditional cure-all but for one schoolgirl, the sticky commodity has also created sweet opportunities to work and own a business in a country where few women do so.

Three years ago, Frozan, now 19-years-old, obtained a small loan, bought two beehives and learned about apiculture from Hand in Hand International, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on poverty.

The bees collected nectar from flowers growing near her home in the Marmul district in the northern Balkh province. Their first harvest produced about 16kg (35lb) of honey, which enabled Frozan to pay back her loan and still have money left over.

She now has 12 beehives and last year collected 110kg of honey, which earned her 100,000 Afghanis ($1,450) in a country where GDP per capita is only about $600.

“The village I live in is a traditional village and women are not allowed to work outside,” says Frozan, who goes by one name. “But when I started beekeeping I realised that it’s an easy task. I told the people about beekeeping and then they accepted it.”

Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the lives and status of women in society have improved significantly. But traditions, insecurity and recently a decline in international donors, have slowed progress.

A Human Rights Watch report, quoting government officials, says 85 per cent of the 3.5 million children who don’t go to school are girls. Only 37 per cent of adolescent girls are literate compared with 66 per cent of adolescent boys.

Frozan is now in her final year of school and would like to study economics and grow her business, goals that may now be possible for her and her three siblings thanks to her income stream.

She says looking after tens of thousands of bees can easily be done between studies and household chores and her father, Ismail, who is a farmer like much of Marmul’s population, supports his daughter’s enterprise.&nbsp;

“It has been my dream to have a daughter who could find a job like this and make a future for herself,” he says.

Every few weeks, Ismail takes the fresh honey to Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital, more than 50km away, where it’s sold to shops and consumed mainly by local customers.

While industry data is scant, local media citing government officials say Afghanistan’s honey production has risen in recent years, hitting 2,000 tonnes in 2015. Several varieties such as acacia, almond flower, and basil are now available.

However, infrastructure constraints mean most of this honey never leaves Afghanistan.

Afghan schoolgirl Frozan, has 12 beehives and last year collected 110kg of honey, which earned her 100,000 Afghanis ($1,450) in a country where GDP per capita is only about $600

In war-torn Afghanistan, honey is regarded as a traditional cure-all but for one schoolgirl, the sticky commodity has also created sweet opportunities to work and own a business in a country where few women do so. Three years ago, Frozan, now 19-years-old, obtained a small loan, bought two beehives and learned about apiculture from Hand in Hand International, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on poverty. The bees collected nectar from flowers growing near her home in the Marmul district in the northern Balkh province. Their first harvest produced about 16kg (35lb) of honey, which enabled Frozan to pay back her loan and still have money left over. She now has 12 beehives and last year collected 110kg of honey, which earned her 100,000 Afghanis ($1,450) in a country where GDP per capita is only about $600. “The village I live in is a traditional village and women are not allowed to work outside,” says Frozan, who goes by one name. “But when I started beekeeping I realised that it’s an easy task. I told the people about beekeeping and then they accepted it.” Since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the lives and status of women in society have improved significantly. But traditions, insecurity and recently a decline in international donors, have slowed progress. A Human Rights Watch report, quoting government officials, says 85 per cent of the 3.5 million children who don’t go to school are girls. Only 37 per cent of adolescent girls are literate compared with 66 per cent of adolescent boys. Frozan is now in her final year of school and would like to study economics and grow her business, goals that may now be possible for her and her three siblings thanks to her income stream. She says looking after tens of thousands of bees can easily be done between studies and household chores and her father, Ismail, who is a farmer like much of Marmul’s population, supports his daughter’s enterprise. “It has been my dream to have a daughter who could find a job like this and make a future for herself,” he says. Every few weeks, Ismail takes the fresh honey to Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital, more than 50km away, where it’s sold to shops and consumed mainly by local customers. While industry data is scant, local media citing government officials say Afghanistan’s honey production has risen in recent years, hitting 2,000 tonnes in 2015. Several varieties such as acacia, almond flower, and basil are now available. However, infrastructure constraints mean most of this honey never leaves Afghanistan.

19-year-old Afghan schoolgirl earns more than country's average per capita income