Zahra Haydari: Meet the Young Hazara Women who are Changing the Future
Meet the Young Hazara Women who are changing the future
“When I was younger, in year 5, I was always ashamed to be called Hazara because I never appreciated my ethnicity - some people in my school made fun of Hazaras - and I always got nervous about it. Even though I didn’t have the Hazaragi accent, I had the feature of a Hazara. I never had any Hazara friends at school and I just wanted to fit myself into other communities. But after moving from Afghanistan I reflected on myself; I should not have made those choices and I can not run away from who I am. Now I’m very proud to be a Hazara because that’s something that someone else can’t be, being a Hazara is my identity and my culture and it means a lot to me. ”
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Zahra Haydari - I’m from Afghanistan Hazarajat,and I have been living in Australia since 2017. I graduated from high school in 2020 and currently I'm studying medical science in Western Sydney. Just like anyone else, I have had my own challenges growing up and have my own hero's - my role models - my dad and my mum, who I could look up to and rely on. My parents made lots of sacrifices that I can never forget, and I'm always thankful for everything they have done for us. Watching my dad sacrificing his safety just for our future. He came to Australia through the sea which is not legal or safe. Words can't describe how grateful I am that he made it because not everyone is lucky enough to make it. Many hazaras like my dad choose to leave Afghanistan through illegal ways, rather than being in Afghanistan, where there is no future or safety for their children. Even though its risky, they have no other choice. Meanwhile, my mum, my other hero despite all the struggles - she raised us, worked hard and opened her own beauty salon alone. Throughout the years she faced lots of criticism and discrimination from people, but nothing stopped her, she became even more stronger. I have seen her hard work since I was very little, and I appreciate it all - from both of my parents. After a long 9 year journey we reunited in 2017 and that was our happiest moment in our lives - I wouldn't be here without any of them. They're my real life hero's.
What does it mean to you to be a young Hazara Woman?
When I was younger, in year 5, I was always ashamed to be called Hazara because I never appreciated my ethnicity - some people in my school made fun of Hazaras - and I always got nervous about it. Even though I didn't have the Hazaragi accent, I had the feature of a Hazara. I never had any Hazara friends at school and I just wanted to fit myself into other communities. But after moving from Afghanistan I reflected on myself; I should not have made those choices and I can not run away from who I am. Now I'm very proud to be a Hazara because that's something that someone else can’t be, being a Hazara is my identity and my culture and it means a lot to me. Us Hazaras went through a lot of hardships, we have faced lots of criticism;Hazara genocide and discrimination for decades - but despite all this, our strong Hazaras are standing up every time and fight for their rights and freedom, they have became stronger than ever and there is hope inside all of us.
What is something you'd like others to know about the Hazara ethnicity that people may not know?
Hazara ethnicity is one of the purest and most beautiful cultures in Afghanistan, but unfortunately people of Afghanistan rarely appreciate it. Hazaras are very talented, hardworking and resilient if the opportunity is available to them, they succeed. For over a century, Hazara community has suffered from targeted discriminations, persecution and massacres because of our ethnicity and being a Shia. Over the century at least 60% of the Hazara population has been killed and those who have survived are displaced. People around the world need to know we are targeted by terrorists, our people are in great danger and could collapse at any moment. Hazaras are considered outsiders in their own country and no one cares or appreciates this beautiful and peaceful culture. Our Hazara culture is known for their sweet accent, music, poetry and their proverb's from which their poetry stems. Our beautiful culture has lots of traditional Hazaragi food which are really delicious and unique. We just want to be recognised by the world, we don’t want our Hazara generation to be cleansed by outsiders - we want peace and unity.
What change do you want to see here in Australia when it comes to refugee rights?
Australian government can do many things for us Afghans. Granting visas for the families that have been waiting for many years. By accepting refugees they give them a new life, a new start and a place to call home without any fear. There are many families that are waiting to be accepted by Australian government and are losing hope. I hope the Australian government could give them the opportunity to reunite with their families. Also, everyone wants to be treated equally and with respect with every right - refugees expect the same. Having the right to work and to study with out any barrier. The thing I have noticed is that refugees can’t study without paying for their studies first, and some people just drop university because it cost too much. If that could change it can give right to every refugee to study.
What is something that keeps you hopeful in these challenging times?
I'm really mentally drained after I saw what happened to my country, every night and day one city after another was being captured by Taliban and it was and still is like a nightmare to me and other Afghans. 38.93 million lives are in the hands of heartless and ruthless oppressor's that know nothing but destruction and killing. With them ruling my country, I have no hope, because now Women in their Islamic values are not allowed to be educated or to work outside their homes - their futures are uncertain. But one thing that keeps everyone hopeful and has shocked the world, is that Afghan Women are not the same as before anymore, they have learnt to stand up for their rights and have chosen to be free. I just hope for the best for my country and I intend to stay positive and support my country as much as I can, even though the world and humanity failed us. But we won’t lose our hope and we will take back what belongs to us! We are all strong and proud Afghan Hazaras, we won’t accept any injustice or criticism towards our people and country.
Anything else you'd like to share?
There are many resources where everyone can get educated about Afghanistan and Hazara people.
@khyberkhaan
@ theafghan
@ afghanizm
@afgara1