In August 2021, Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, leading to a mass exodus of vulnerable individuals seeking safety and a fresh start. One of those seeking refuge was Hassinah Rezaei, a young Afghan journalist and architect. With the support of organizations like Reporters Without Borders, she made her way to Germany, where she now rebuilds her life amidst both challenges and opportunities.
Born and raised in Mazar-i-Sharif, Hassinah nurtured a passion for journalism from an early age, joining the newspaper Aweja and the radio and television station Arzo while still in school. Her roles ranged from reporter to editor-in-chief, showcasing a remarkable talent. Yet, the road to success was fraught with resistance, particularly in a society where women often faced myriad challenges.
Reflecting on the circumstances women faced in Afghanistan, Hassinah stated, "We fought hard for our rights, but we were often judged negatively. But at least we had some security to work." However, the situation began to deteriorate under the Taliban’s reign, leading Hassinah to recognize the urgency of her situation.
As the political landscape shifted rapidly, she sensed a storm brewing in Afghanistan, originating from widespread disillusionment with corruption and poverty. Many people desired change and were willing to accept the Taliban's governance, believing they would deliver stability, especially in rural areas. Yet the sudden takeover shocked the nation, with the Taliban entering Kabul without a fight.
In the immediate aftermath, the risks escalated for journalists—particularly for women like Hassinah. Thankfully, Reporters Without Borders promised her safety and facilitated her evacuation to Germany. Without the chance to say goodbye to her family, Hassinah was thrust into a new reality. She recounted that leaving Afghanistan was, "the most bitter day of my life," as she departed with just a suitcase, her dreams, and a question: “Why?”
Upon her arrival in Germany, though, Hassinah faced another struggle. Initially placed in temporary accommodation, she battled intense feelings of depression. "The first few days in Germany were a nightmare. I was surrounded by darkness that suffocated me...and there was no one to lend a hand," she recalled, emphasizing her isolation and despair during that critical period.
Initially moving to Frankfurt, Hassinah faced further harassment, even from those who shared her background, which prompted her relocation to North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). There, she found a better environment. "Perhaps because it is Germany's most populous state, with a lot of cities and towns, Hassinah felt that people in NRW treat foreign citizens better, which has helped her to feel more comfortable overall in Germany," a statement reflecting her newfound sense of belonging.
Now settled in NRW, Hassinah has begun to rebuild her life. She embodies resilience, learning to navigate her new environment independently. "Despite all the difficulties and the loneliness that tore me apart inside, I tried to start everything afresh and find my place in this society," she said, determined to avoid a life constrained by poverty.
In pursuit of her goals, she aims to study social work—motivated by the desire to assist young women and migrants who may find themselves in situations similar to her own. Hassinah is acutely aware of the challenges faced by others in her community, something she underscores by saying, "I will do everything I can to continue to integrate and find my place in society."
However, the weight of uncertainty lingers. Her family remains in Afghanistan under perilous conditions, and their initial plans to join her in Germany have yet to materialize. To support herself and send money back home, Hassinah works two days a week in a local restaurant, striving to maintain connections with her roots while building her future.
Though she enjoys the freedom that comes with her new life, the memories of her family and her homeland have not faded. When asked about the prospect of returning, she firmly stated, "Under the current conditions, I would never return to Afghanistan. If I can't express my opinion, have no freedom of movement and can't share my thoughts with others, there is no more space to live and no more air to breathe." Her words encapsulate the sentiment of many exiled Afghans who grapple with the harsh realities of life under Taliban rule.
Despite her worries about the potential for deportation due to shifting German immigration policies, Hassinah keeps her hopes alive. "If it turns out that my four years of effort and integration have been in vain, it will be very difficult for me to deal with," she expressed, hinting at her ongoing struggle against uncertainty amid broader political changes. Yet, the determination to succeed remains strong within her as she continues to shape her future in Germany, refusing to let despair dictate her course. Her story is a testament to resilience and hope, shining a light on the plight of migrant women striving for a better life far from home.
