Dear Zari: The Secret Lives of the Women of Afghanistan

'A poignant celebration of human resilience' Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner Dear Zari gives voice to the secret lives of women across Afghanistan and allows them to tell their stories in their own words: from the child bride given as payment to end a family feud; to a life spent in a dark, dusty room weaving carpets; to a young girl brought up as a boy; to life as a widow shunned by society. Dear Zari uncovers the reality of life in Afghanistan. In 2001 Zarghuna Kargar came to the UK as an asylum-seeker. She and her family were forced to leave their home in Kabul during the civil war and then spent several years as refugees in Pakistan. Zarghuna trained as a journalist with BBC Worldwide in Peshawar, and when she came to London she quickly got a job working at the BBC. In 2004 she became the producer and presenter for the ground-breaking 'Afghan Women's Hour' - a programme which aired discussions, stories and advice covering issues - many of which were controversial and had never before been raised - faced by Afghan women every day. The programme was broadcast to millions of people across Afghanistan where it attracted huge audiences, of both men and women. It was profoundly influential, bringing education, support and encouragement to countless women. It is this programme, and the stories that Zarghuna heard, that have inspired this book Dear Zari Gives Voice To The Secret Lives Of Women Across Afghanistan And Allows Them To Tell Their Stories In Their Own Words: From The Child Bride Given As Payment To End A Family Feud; To A Life Spent In A Dark, Dusty Room Weaving Carpets; To A Young Girl Brought Up As A Boy; To Life As A Widow Shunned By Society. Compelling And Enlightening, Dear Zari Uncovers The Reality Of Life In Afghanistan In Stories That Are By Turn Heart-breaking And Uplifting.