Today, the name of an Afghan American woman has become part of American political history.
Aisha Wahab has become the first Afghan American elected to the United States Congress.
For some people, this may simply be political news. An election was held, one person won and another person lost.
But for me, this story means much more.
It is the story of a girl whose roots are in Afghanistan, but whose life was not easy. She lost her parents when she was young and spent part of her childhood in foster care. Today, that same girl has reached one of the most important political institutions in the United States.
Think about that journey for a moment.
From an orphaned child to the halls of the United States Congress.
This is not only the story of Aisha Wahab.
It is also a story about opportunity.
It shows us what can happen when a society gives a person the chance to learn, grow, work and dream.
And this is where we Afghans should think deeply.
In Afghanistan, millions of girls are still fighting for one of the most basic rights in life, the right to education.
At the same time, in America, a woman with Afghan roots has been able to enter Congress, where she will have a voice in making the laws of the country.
What a painful difference.
Is the difference in the ability of Afghan women?
No.
The difference is opportunity.
Give a girl a book and one day she may become a teacher.
Open the school door for her and one day she may become a doctor, engineer, judge or scientist.
Allow her to think freely and one day she may become a leader.
But if we close the school door in her face and then say that women are not capable, we have not tested her ability. We have taken away her opportunity.
Aisha Wahab’s victory should also carry another message for us.
Many Afghans came to other countries years ago with little more than a suitcase, memories of war and pain in their hearts. Today, their children are studying at universities, working in hospitals, businesses and government institutions, and now an Afghan American has reached the United States Congress.
This generation should remind us that being Afghan does not have to be defined only by war, migration and loss.
We can write another story too.
A story of education.
A story of hard work.
A story of women who refuse to give up.
A story of young people who choose books and knowledge instead of guns.
We may not agree with every political position of Aisha Wahab. That is normal. In a free society, no politician should be above criticism.
But this moment is bigger than agreeing or disagreeing with one politician.
For the first time, an Afghan American has been elected to the United States Congress.
It is a new page in the history of the Afghan American community.
And perhaps the most beautiful message of this victory is for the girls of Afghanistan:
Your future should not be decided only by what others allow you to become.
When you are given education, freedom of choice and the opportunity to grow, no one knows how far you can go.
Today, Aisha Wahab has reached the halls of the United States Congress.
Tomorrow, perhaps a girl who is standing behind a closed school door in Kabul, Herat, Mazar, Kandahar or Badakhshan will be given the opportunity to write an even greater story.
The problem with Afghan girls is not a lack of talent.
The problem is a lack of opportunity.
And when a child is given an opportunity, sometimes an orphaned girl can find her way, through education, hard work and hope, all the way to the halls of Congress.
Aisha Wahab’s victory is more than winning a seat.
For many Afghans, it carries a simple message:
We can do it too.
Noor Wodjouatt
