Bees of Bravery: Aziza’s Story of Hope and Resilience

In August 2021, the world watched as the Taliban took over Afghanistan, erasing 20+ years of progress for women in a single day. At Giving Joy, we couldn’t stand by. We partnered with the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI) to award 15 grants to incredible women entrepreneurs determined to persevere.

One of those women is Aziza Naeimi, a honey producer who used the Giving Joy grant to train women in her community to build their livelihoods through beekeeping. Aziza’s journey has been one of resilience and heartbreak, and she is now at a crossroads.

Her story needs to be heard. The world must not forget the women of Afghanistan, now more than ever.

In Aziza’s own words, here is her story.

Hives of Hope

“My life, before those dark days, revolved around hope and effort. As an Afghan woman, I had decided not only to empower myself but also to empower other women in my country. My business in honey production was not just a trade; it was a bridge to a new world for women who were struggling with poverty and injustice in every corner of Afghanistan. I taught them how to earn income from beehives so they could become independent and provide for their families.

But the day came when the Taliban returned, and in an instant, all those dreams and efforts were destroyed. My life, once full of energy and hope, now faced terrifying threats. The Taliban did not allow any Afghan woman to stand boldly in society, let alone start her own business.

One day, I decided to go on television and speak my mind. In those days full of fear, when the voice of Afghan women had been silenced across the country, I spoke louder than ever. I talked about women's right to be active in society and the economy. My words not only threatened my business, but they also put my life at risk. The threats began, and every day, the shadow of danger loomed larger over my life.

I remember the day I went out to protest the injustice done to the girls of Afghanistan. My heart trembled with fear, but I had promised myself that I could not remain silent in the face of injustice. In the midst of a crowded street, a Taliban soldier approached me. His threatening gaze paralyzed me, but when he took my phone and violently checked it, something inside me blossomed. In the darkness of that moment, I thought only one question: "Can I stand?" And I stood. My heart was squeezed with fear, but it was my defiance that showed the spirit of the Afghan people was still alive, even in the face of oppression.

The threats grew stronger, and I was forced to flee Afghanistan. In the dead of night, in silence and fear, I crossed the border with my family and sought refuge in Pakistan. Life in exile was hard and ruthless. Financial difficulties, lack of security, and lack of basic rights turned our daily lives into hell. But I didn’t want to give up. Every day, I reminded myself that these hardships would come to an end.

And one day, in the midst of this darkness, we received our refugee approval for the United States. I felt a moment of freedom that I will never forget. But once again, the world showed that nothing is certain. The return of Trump to power stopped everything. New laws clearly blocked all progress, and we were once again trapped in uncertainty.

But I remain hopeful. Even in these difficult and endless days, I still believe in a brighter tomorrow. I tell myself that one day, we will reach a safe place; a place where not only we but also others will have the opportunity to start anew. Amidst all this pain and suffering, I still see that in every Afghan face, there is a story of courage and hope.

Hope, like the beehives full of hard work and bravery, will always live within us. And as long as this hope remains in our hearts, nothing can stop us from progressing and achieving freedom.”