Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Hashimi’s Novel Sheds Light on Afghan Women’s Struggle
Nadia Hashimi wrote a book called City of Widows about Afghan women who fought for their rights before the Taliban came back in 2021.
The story follows three women: a former soldier, a girl who was raised as a boy, and a journalist.
Hashimi used real news stories and interviews to make the characters feel real.
She wants readers to see how brave these women are and to feel upset about how the Taliban treats them.
The book shows that the world has turned away from Afghanistan, and it hopes to bring more attention to the women’s fight for freedom.
Nadia Hashimi’s novel City of Widows follows Afghan women before the 2021 Taliban takeover.
The story centers on three women—former soldier Marjan, bacha posh Rahima, and journalist Mina—showing their resistance and survival.
Hashimi drew inspiration from AFP reports on Afghan women soldiers and conducted in‑depth interviews for authenticity.
The novel critiques the world’s abandonment of Afghanistan and highlights gender oppression under the Taliban.
Hashimi hopes the book will spark outrage and recognition for Afghan women’s human‑rights struggles.
- Who
- Nadia Hashimi and Afghan women
- What
- A novel depicting Afghan women’s resistance before the Taliban takeover
- When
- Set in the years leading up to the 2021 Taliban takeover
- Where
- Afghanistan, especially Kabul
- Why
- To highlight lost freedoms, inspire outrage, and honor Afghan women’s struggles
- Title
- City of Widows
- Author
- Nadia Hashimi
- Setting
- Afghanistan, pre‑2021 Taliban takeover
- Themes
- Resistance, gender, human rights
- Publication Year
- 2023