Ajmal Ramyar, executive director of Afghans for Progressive Thinking, shares his personal experience of growing up in Afghanistan and the impact of the Taliban regime on education and women's rights. He discusses the progress made during the presence of the international community and the challenges faced by the Afghan people. Ajmal emphasizes the importance of international attention and support in addressing the ongoing human rights crisis in Afghanistan. He shares his experience of leaving Afghanistan and the challenges of integrating into a new country. He discusses the difficulties of accepting what has happened and the constant mental struggle of being physically present in Canada but emotionally connected to Afghanistan. Ajmal emphasizes the importance of quality support and integration programs for newcomers and suggests continuous monitoring and evaluation to improve the process. He also highlights the need for dialogue and peacebuilding efforts to bring positive change in conflict-ridden countries like Afghanistan. Ajmal believes that youth have a crucial role to play in shaping the future and calls for a world free of discrimination and injustice. Keywords Afghanistan, Taliban, education, women's rights, human rights, international community, Afghanistan, integration, challenges, support, dialogue, peacebuilding, youth, freedom Takeaways -The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has severely impacted education and women's rights, with girls and women being prohibited from attending schools and universities. -The current regime uses religion as a justification for these restrictions, but many Afghans believe it is a political move rather than a religious one. -The international community plays a crucial role in supporting the Afghan people and advocating for their rights. -There is a need for continued attention and action to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Afghanistan.  -The challenges of integrating into a new country after leaving Afghanistan are immense, especially for older individuals who find it difficult to learn a new language. -The quality of support and programs offered to newcomers is crucial for their successful integration and long-term well-being. -Dialogue and engagement, with the support of the international community, can be effective in resolving conflicts and bringing positive change. -Youth have the potential to create positive change and should be given opportunities and platforms to contribute to their societies. -A world free of discrimination and injustice is essential for a truly free and peaceful existence. Sound Bites "What was life like in Afghanistan 10 years ago and how is it now?" "What is Afghanistan beyond the headlines?" "There are restrictions on meals for wearing clothes and other areas of life." "Life in Canada has been really hard in terms of accepting what has happened and rebuilding." "Physically here, mentally thinking of my people, my friends, my colleagues." "The quality of support and programs is crucial for successful integration." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 Life in Afghanistan 10 Years Ago and Now 07:18 Understanding Afghanistan Beyond the Headlines 09:47 Restrictions on Women and Men in Afghanistan 23:10 The Taliban's Justification for Restrictions on Education and Women's Rights 29:50 The International Community's Attention on Afghanistan 32:13 The Challenges of Integration 39:21 Support and Integration Programs 53:23 Dialogue and Peacebuilding 56:55 Empowering Youth 01:02:58 A World Free of Discrimination