A powerful story of hope and courage from Angelina Jolie and Bibi Aisha
Aisha Bibi is an Afghan woman who was forced into marriage and later tried to flee her now-former husband. Her face was mutilated as an act of punishment, but she persevered and left the country.
Why Was Bibi Aisha interviewed?
Bibi Aisha is a beacon of light and a sign of hope for all the Afghan girls that are still under the tortuous rule of the Taliban. Her story is one of great courage and can serve as inspiration for not just girls in Afghanistan but anyone in a difficult situation.
Angelina Jolie
Jolie is a world-famous actress and humanitarian. She interviewed Bibi Aisha to spread awareness about why Afghanistan needs the world’s help in its fight against the Taliban.
Tough Beginnings
Bibi Aisha, now much older, was 14 when she was forced by her father to marry a Taliban fighter. She was unhappy and didn’t want to, but she had no other choice.
Married Life
Bibi Aisha was married and lived with the Taliban for 5 years. She explained in the interview that she was beaten every day, tied, and made to work as a slave.
A Cruel Tradition
Bibi Aisha explains that if someone committed a crime under the rule of the Taliban, they would punish the family of that man by forcefully marrying the women of his family, essentially taking them as slaves. This is the same concept as payback.
Her Punishment
Bibi Aisha recounts in her interview how the Taliban punished her for trying to run away. When she was caught, she was tied both at the hands and feet. Her husband’s brother cut off both her ears and her nose.
Made An Exam
The Taliban eventually left her there for dead, and the Taliban fighter who was behind this was awarded. This was to scare all the other girls from trying to attempt to flee their captivity.
Asking For Help
Bibi Aisha was subjected to much cruelty, but her family and friends refused to help her due to fear of what the Taliban would do to them if they found out.
Running Away
After several cries for help, her father finally gave in. He picked her up and dropped her off at a U.S. military base.
Given Assistance
The American soldiers immediately gave her medical attention and helped her get out of her misery.
All Alone
Bibi Aisha was then sent to a shelter in Kabul, where she lived alone for 9 months, not knowing what fate awaited her.
Recovery
Bibi Aisha underwent 31 surgeries and complete reconstructive surgery of her nose and ears to rebuild them.
Knowledge Is Power
Bibi Aisha recounts that women under Taliban rule had no access to education. They didn’t have a voice and were given no rights.
The Time Magazine Cover in 2010
Bibi Aisha was photographed and appeared on the cover of Time Magazine in 2010. The picture and her story made headlines around the world, which brought attention and awareness to the brutality of the Taliban.
Future Career
Bibi Aisha expressed that she wants to become a nurse. She is currently studying in Maryland to fulfill her dreams.
Her Motivation
Even though Bibi Aisha has been through so much, she still wants to help people, which is one of her main motivations for becoming a nurse.
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Has Nothing Changed?
Jolie states that the world was outraged when Bibi Aisha’s story came out. But now, the same people who did this to her are in charge of the entire country. Even worse, this could be happening to women every single day.
Hope
This interview with Bibi Aisha will help the world realize thousands of women in Afghanistan need help to get away from the Taliban, and hopefully, we can lend a hand.
