Manizha and her sister arrived in the U.S. alone after the collapse of Afghanistan. Adapting to a new life, they managed everything themselves, relying on public transportation. Manizha eventually got a learner’s permit, but after a car accident, she was too scared to take the driving test. Despite her fear, she continued to drive without a license for over two years out of necessity.
Everything changed when she learned about the Afghan Support Network’s (ASN) women’s driving classes through their WhatsApp group. Determined to overcome her fear, Manizha enrolled and, with the encouragement of instructor Deeba Azimi, gained the confidence to pass her driving test. Now, she drives without fear and encourages other Afghan women to seize the opportunities available to them.
“In Afghanistan, we had limited access to resources,” she says, “but here, opportunities are available to everyone. It’s up to you to take the initiative.”
Manizha’s story highlights the importance of community support and personal resilience in overcoming challenges.
