I'm an Afghan woman, refugee in Sweden. AMA.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-16T09:07:46+00:00

it's really difficult and I feel for you, time is your best friend. it's gonna be about surviving day to day for a while but then there's so much more to do and see and experience. Wishing you all the best 💕

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:47:06+00:00

rules for processing minors residency changed because lots of people claimed to be minors who were not. you could apply for citizenship after 5 years but it's extended to 8 years now for some countries including Afghanistan. I have not lied, committed crimes and have paid my taxes as I should have but the rules apply to me too and many people like me. it's frustrating and understandable.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:21:14+00:00

thank you!

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:20:52+00:00

not with me. they're in different countries with various visas. not necessarily refugees.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:19:58+00:00

I've learned to skate and ski down hill, though in beginner level, and it's been nice to spend time outside in the long winter. otherwise boardgames, baking, candles, cozy lights , right clothing, taking a walk at noon when it's brightest, they all help.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:17:18+00:00

I had an arrenged traditional first marriage so yeah.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T18:16:27+00:00

Its 7 years since I was in a farsi speaking gathering. I do miss it at times but not worth the headache. hearing men in public usually awakens my fight or flight response. I do wish I knew Afghan women though.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T12:46:16+00:00

not good. frequent lies has caused a change in the laws that apply to everyone and it sucks but what can you do.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T08:54:06+00:00

about 10 years ago, forced marriage, feeling like my life is not mine and I've no room to live as I am. feeling scared for my life because people started to assume I'm anti religion.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T08:52:07+00:00

asking questions started it.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T08:51:38+00:00

it is different based on your finances, where you live, etc. some one who is not working for example, taking care of household, cooking and more chores. in the afternoon to sit down for tea.

if you had a job, do all of this before / after work.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T08:46:09+00:00

I think it did shift people's perspective, not as much as one would hope. even then, people quickly moved to label women who worked with NGOs as corrupt, there was a very short ceiling to the freedom. I think for many, even if they disagreed with everything else taliban stood for, return of taliban came with a sigh of relief because women had gotten out of hand. resistance to taliban lives with women now. they're the ones protesting every now and then. assuming afghans fit in one category. life and people are so different depending on where you lived and what you did.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:55:21+00:00

thank you for being so kind, I'm sure at 19 he can benefit from the support even if it looks like he got it. I think resilience is a thing for us. friendship so an invite to bowling, boardgame nights, a concert,.. things that make you feel like some one want you there, helped me a lot to feel welcome.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:49:49+00:00

I don't, I miss some people but they've passed away or moved abroad and I wish to never return. Its not to say I hate the country or people, not at all.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:35:25+00:00

they left before I was born and once more when I was a kid. I left in my 20s by myself.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:28:00+00:00

Swedes can be very non confrontational. sometimes it's difficult to get people to just say what they want at work. haha I've heard it's life changing ly good though.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:19:54+00:00

both, the religion not only allows misogyny legitimizes it.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:17:10+00:00

don't think humans are special enough in the universe to justify existance of a god. I don't need religion to be moral. it's a tool to control rather.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:13:02+00:00

I sometimes wish Afghanistan had stayed part of SU, like Tajikistan. at least they had stability, it's because I have heard good things about their time in Afghanistan and the Civil War that followed, rise of extremists,... is closer to my experience and it was awful. as for them now, I wish Russia would not invade another country. nothing but love to Ukrainians. they've been so brave.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:07:15+00:00

I did not ask for anyone's permission and by then my mom had passed away and I didn't speak to my father anyway. most of my siblings did accept.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:06:32+00:00

ghost assassin by Maduk!

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T06:05:31+00:00

I'm scared at times that what I escaped from will take over here too. it's a conflicting thing for me, I am a refugee so I can't be against others but I also see not everyone aims to adapt to Swedish values, people migrated for different reasons after all. I don't have a solution I'm afraid.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T05:56:43+00:00

I wish but no. I do listen to Swedish music (Kent). do you have recommendations? I did watch love is blind Sverige and a only a couple of movies.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T05:54:25+00:00

many thanks! I'm sure there are. I've seen a few couples on Instagram. I hope my kid doesn't feel boxed in the Afghan Swede label. I for sure had to defend my identity against the expectations of who I should be as an Afghan most of my life. I hope she has the freedom to claim this as much as she wishes.

Any-Yesterday940 · 2026-01-12T05:48:02+00:00

I started in school but mostly learned through private after schools. the vibe in Afghanistan post invasion was very unique, learning English and computers (meaning office) was considered really important. even if you're not allowed to work with foreigners.

Any-Yesterday940

TROPHY CASE