I Am a Bacha Posh: My Life as a Woman Living as a Man in Afghanistan

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

"You will be a son, my daughter." With these stunning words Ukmina learned that she was to spend her childhood as a boy. In Afghanistan there is a widespread practice of girls dressing as boys to play the role of a son. These children are called "bacha posh" literally "girls dressed as boys." This practice offers families the freedom to allow their child to shop and work--and in some cases, it saves them from the disgrace of not having a male heir.But in adolescence, religion restores the natural law. The girls must marry, give birth, and give up their freedom. Ukmina decided to confront social and family pressure and keep her menswear. This brave choice paved the way for an extraordinary destiny: she wages war against the Soviets, assists the mujaheddin and ultimately commands the respect of all whom she encounters. She eventually becomes one of the elected council members of her province. But freedom always has a price. For "Ukmina warrior" that price was her life as a woman. This is a stunning and brave memoir about a little known practice that will challenge your perceptions about gender and the courage it takes to live your life to the fullest.

Reviews

"Manoori's autobiographical account is a wonderfully rich introduction to an uncommon (but by no means rare) Afghan tradition in which families choose to raise as a young daughter as a son. Her story upends the easy stereotypes we so readily apply to rural Afghans and their values." Thomas Barfield, author of Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History

"A beautiful, fascinating tale about a little-known tradition that provides a snapshot of Pashtun village life in Afghanistan. Ukminas honest storytelling is enthralling and she is a source of strength for women the world over."Laura Kasinof, author of Dont Be Afraid of the Bullets and former New York Times correspondent in Yemen
"Manoori's autobiographical account is a wonderfully rich introduction to an uncommon (but by no means rare) Afghan tradition in which families choose to raise as a young daughter as a son. Her story upends the easy stereotypes we so readily apply to rural Afghans and their values." Thomas Barfield, author of Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History

"A beautiful, fascinating tale about a little-known tradition that provides a snapshot of Pashtun village life in Afghanistan. Ukminas honest storytelling is enthralling and she is a source of strength for women the world over."Laura Kasinof, author of Dont Be Afraid of the Bullets and former New York Times correspondent in Yemen