Some nations have airplanes Birds and other skyward creatures But Afghans live with blood flying Through clouds and countryside

Oh mother city City of love and mercy How long must you carry this sorrow

When you come to me Bring a pair of eyes So that I can see the world differently

Anyone passing by can sit Under the dream tree In this quiet space Their wounds will heal

The Afghan Women’s Writing Project is pleased to participate in the global Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender Violence campaign from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10—International Human Rights Day.

The work presented here represents just a few of the essays and poems written by AWWP writers in honor of International Women’s Day over the last several years. Please join our writers in celebrating IWD on Wednesday, March 8, 2017.