In a world filled with challenges and adversity, Zenaat’s* unwavering determination and resilience shine as a beacon of hope for her family and people around. Born into a family of twelve, this extraordinary woman always harbored a deep desire to become a heroine and make a positive impact on those around her. Despite facing numerous obstacles along her journey, her courageous spirit propelled her forward, lighting the way for others to follow.
From her young age, she embraced education as a means to uplift herself and extend a helping hand to those in need. However, her aspirations were met with resistance from her husband at a time, who sought to limit her dreams. Undeterred, she pressed on, fueled by an unwavering commitment to her goals. Her determination led her to the field of gynecology, where she dedicated herself to bringing new lives into this world, offering hope and a sense of comfort to countless families. Working with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), she served in various conflict zones throughout Afghanistan, encouraging those searching for hope and help.
It is in the year of 2021, when the Taliban takeover halted her aspirations. The winds of unrest swept across their homeland, shattering dreams and extinguishing the flickering flames of people’s hopes. Like countless others, she and her family were forced to flee, leaving behind everything they held dear. With a heavy heart and a newborn baby in her hands, Zenaat* and her family embarked on a journey to seek refuge, unsure of what would lay ahead.
Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the family managed to find protection in Tajikistan. The warm and caring embrace of the Tajik people breathed new life into her weary soul and Zenaat* renewed her purpose. Determined to continue her quest of becoming a heroine, she discovered new passion for powerlifting and began to pursue her quest with renewed dedication. Her strength, both physical and emotional, became an exemplification the resilience of the human spirit. She has found herself in a community of like-minded people that shared her passion and were ready to support her on this new journey. A renowned coach, who has raised several regional powerlifting stars, was excited by the Zenaat’s* dedication and took her under his wing. Zenaat* has hence trained and prepared herself to conquer the heights of powerlifting in Tajikistan. City to regionals, to country-wide tournaments, Zenaat* shone and finished in top three in a number of conquests she joined.
With each competition she conquered, Zenaat* not only achieved personal victories but also ignited a fire within her family, inspiring them to believe in their own dreams. Her sister has decided to pursue her dream of getting high-class education in France, through UNHCR’s university corridor project called UNIV’R – University for Refugees – which aims at enabling refugees living in a first country of asylum to study a master’s degree within a higher education institution in France. Zenaat’s* younger siblings are satisfying their hunger for knowledge and self-improvement through another initiative – Coursera for Refugees, accessing it on phone of their sister. As we can witness, weight of Zenaat’s* successes resonates with all people around her, fostering in them changes for better.
Today, Zenaat* stands as a living testament to the power of resilience and the ability to overcome even the most formidable obstacles. In her pursuit of greatness, she has not only become a heroine to herself but also a source of inspiration for those who dare to dream amidst adversity. She is thankful for the support she has found, and hopes that this support will also be extended to millions of people in need of it, worldwide.
This story is a reminder that, life of refugees can be changed, all what is needed is our support. Even with a little support, a big flame of hope can be lit.
*Name changed to protect identity.
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