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I Am a Bacha Posh

My Life as a Woman Living as a Man in Afghanistan

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About this listen

"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.

©2014 Ukmina Manoori and Stephanie Lebrun Translation 2014 by Peter E. Chianchiano (P)2014 Audible Inc. Cultural & Regional Gender Studies Military Social Sciences Women War
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An inspiring story of our time. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Would recommend. I particularly enjoyed seeing a different perspective.

Eye opening!

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I had no idea that Bach’s Posh was an acceptable cultural thing in Afghanistan.

This is a very weird idea and must be extremely confusing for those girls.

This person refused to go back to the restraints of being female at puberty and remained dressing as a man.

She fought in the Mujahideen against the Russians and won the respect of men and women.

If is an amazing story of a very brave woman in a bald dominated society in z country at war.

This was an education for me

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Phemonal tale of a woman defied stigma to be herself and serve her conscience.

Amazing

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To learn about Ukminas life has been incredibly eye opening and somewhat bittersweet towards the end.
I wanted to learn more about women in Afghanistan and I feel this book gives a very unique and personal look into Ukminas life and culture. I've learnt many new things!

I want to know more about Ukmina but what I have found so far is very limited. Please direct me!

5 star

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A well written, well narrated book about a little known subject and how it affected one extraordinary person living in Afghanistan. Highly recommended.

A fascinating listen!

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