Amid restrictions on education and declining opportunities for girls to participate in educational settings, some girls in Afghanistan have turned to book clubs to continue reading and learning. These groups, usually organized in small gatherings, provide opportunities to read books, discuss social and cultural issues, and exchange ideas.
Some girls who participate in these clubs say reading is more than just a pastime; it is a way to continue learning and maintain a connection with education. Alongside reading, they discuss topics such as literature, history, society, and their everyday experiences.
Book clubs usually bring together a few girls in homes, private libraries, or small educational spaces. Members select a book and discuss its contents after reading it. Some clubs meet in person, while others operate through social media and communication platforms. The girls say online meetings allow them to participate in reading activities without having to travel.
“Reading makes me feel that I am still learning”
Yasna (a pseudonym), a girl who participates in a book club, says group reading has increased her motivation to read. “When I read alone, I sometimes get tired after a few pages and put the book aside. But when I arrange with a few others to read the same book, I feel more responsible. After reading, we talk about the book, and everyone shares their own opinion,” she says.
According to Yasna, these gatherings not only provide opportunities to read but also encourage discussion and exposure to different perspectives.
Roqia (a pseudonym), another girl who participates in an online book club, says she mostly read books on her own before joining the group. “What matters to me about a book club is not just reading. When we discuss a topic with others, I realize that different people may understand the same text in different ways,” she says. Roqia adds that discussing books has also helped her practice expressing her opinions and listening to others’ views.
Despite their interest in reading, access to books remains a challenge for some girls. The cost of books, the shortage of well-equipped libraries, and limited access to certain resources are among the difficulties they face.
Bahar, a member of a book club, says the group sometimes struggles to find particular books. “Sometimes we choose a book whose printed edition is difficult to find. In such cases, if a legal digital version is available, we use it; otherwise, we choose another book,” she says.
Online Book Clubs
With the growing use of the internet, some book clubs have moved online. Members read books and then discuss them at scheduled times through audio or video calls or online groups.
However, poor internet connectivity, the cost of internet access, and power outages make online meetings difficult. Golthom (a pseudonym), another participant in these clubs, says: “When the internet connection is poor, we cannot continue the discussion properly. Sometimes a meeting is cut short because of internet or electricity problems.”
For some girls, book clubs are more than places to read. During these gatherings, they also discuss personal experiences, social issues, and cultural matters. Members say participating in these groups helps them maintain their connection with reading and learning while staying in touch with like-minded people.
At a time when girls’ access to some educational opportunities has been restricted, book clubs have become one way for them to continue their reading activities, although these groups cannot replace formal education.
The girls participating in these activities are calling for greater access to books, the establishment of more libraries, and safe spaces where they can read and discuss ideas. They say continuing to read can help them maintain their educational skills and expand their knowledge and awareness.
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