100 Hours in Taliban Controlled Afghanistan as a Non-Muslim Woman 

Thank you to Let's Be Friends Afghanistan for your kindness and gifting me this trip and the opportunity to meet so many lovely people in your country. Check them out here: www.letsbefriendsafghanistan.com / instagram.com/letsbefriendsafghanistan

This is all lovely but why are western women treated better than Afghan women in their own country

As a woman, I'm feeling very lucky I don't live there.

“Don’t judge from the media, see the reality yourself”. I want to see the reality of 50% of the population, the women. Will I see them living their only life full of adventure, freedom and joy? Will I see them having fun shopping around the streets, having a chat with their neighbours freely? Making decisions for themselves? Travelling freely? If that is what I will see then I will be very happy with Afghanistan and think it’s a kind, friendly place. But you can never be kind if 50% of the population is imprisoned and I will always wish for these women to gain their lives back from the evil that has infiltrated the country.

The whole time I was waiting for her to interact with the Afghani women. As a woman I really wanted to hear their side of the story.

As an Afghan it breaks my heart to see what they’ve turned my beautiful country into in just 3 years. Before this brutal misogynistic regime the streets of kabul was vibrant music playing women were happy we had music tv shows with women singing showcasing there talents we had an all women football team so many achievements. To see it all gone in just 3 years is something that haunts me on a daily basis. I pray my country is free again 😢🇦🇫🕊️💔

It was possible for the foreign white girl to be in the room with the males but not possible for their own women to be in there

As an afghan I am against what's happening with my afghan sisters. Free Afghanistan women's 🇦🇫❤️

I miss the woman in this story. The men only let you see what you want to see. I do not feel the love. It's fake..

I was in Afghanistan as a soldier. The one thing I learned is that. The locals are really good people for the most part. It's the Taliban that is the problem.

This is why educated, free women around the world must stand against this way of life. I dont want my daughter or her daughter to live like this.

I wonder what would happen to me. British Afghan girl going to Afghanistan solo without mahram, not born in Afghanistan but born to Afghan parents. Would I still get the same hospitality and explore with a tour guide? Probably not...

It’s striking how invisible the woman are made by not allowing them to be seen or speak to such an extent that they are not only physically absent from most spaces, but not allowed to be documented even when they are present.

😢 I think it's great you experienced that level of a connection. It breaks my heart that the women of Afghanistan are so oppressed.

Thank you for the video ❤ as a Tunisian muslim woman i support the rights of my Afghani sisters The scene of the boy begging was heartbreaking

Very interesting but what breaks my heart is that they show so much kindness to a foreigner but can't do the same to their own women. I wonder if they would have treated you the same had it not been for the camera

The way women are treated under Sharia Law has always made me ill. My heart breaks for them. I’ve never thought the people of Afghanistan were the issue. It’s the Taliban Government that is horrifying. With it being illegal for women to speak in public, does that law not apply to foreign women? I was just curious because I didn’t see a lot of talking and interaction. So many seemed like such lovely people.

the government of a people doesn't always define their people's ideologies

My son is 22. I couldn't help but think how sad it is for his female peers in Afghanastan, girls who had dreams of careers and development. It breaks my heart.

Dear Josie, first of all thank you for this video. The men you have encountered so far were so hospitable and kind. I believe it must have been a wonderful experince and I was really moved when I saw with which ferocity and warmth they spoke about their country. And yet I miss Afghan women's opinions. It seems to me there are too many people speaking about them like what they do and don't want. Yet I think in a situation like this it is absolutely neccessary to hear their voices. I came back from my work. I don't have to cover my face in public, I can talk to people in public. I can marry who I want. I have my own financial income. I feel so torn. I am watching this video and I know women there can not do what I can on a daily basis. It breaks my heart. I believe there are lots of wonderful men in Afghanistan who really care for women and have good relationships with them. But on the other hand there also is and have been stoning of women for adultery. Forcing women into marrying somebody they didn't want to marry. They are denied education and now they can't even talk in public. I believe they must be of a really strong kind, because in such situation I wouldn't last a week. I do not write this out of hatred. I wish for people in Afghanistan both men and women to feel safe and free to do what they enjoy doing. I wish they had more options. I miss voices of Afghan women and their take on this situation and their day to day lives. But I also completely understand you didn't want to push it, I respect completely you didn't want to get yourself nor anyone else into a dangerous situation. I only needed to express what I felt. Thank you for this content.

Living in London I’ve met a few taxi drivers from Afghanistan and they were lovely and friendly and were happy to share what their country was like. It’s a shame no women were around.. still, it was a lot friendlier than expected.

Wow! Just incredible. You are so brave to make this trip. My heart was breaking and the tears were flowing. You brought us a beautiful story. Safe travels. 🙏

I’m American, living in Florida and just watched your piece. TYTYTY for opening my eyes on the Afghan people and their country. They were so welcoming and generous. This was an awesome view of how different true reality is to our slighted perception! Ugh sad that I also learned my surplus of daily coffee would be nonexistent there jk. And kudos to Mahdi for his positive view on how to move forward, I hope he finds a way out to pursue his dreams and continues to spread positivity. Well done story, I’ll share. I hope this goes viral across many channels!

You say they are welcoming, right..? Where are the women. All I see is men!!! Awesome people😂

A taliban propaganda,mentioning kindness to others but not their own …what a hypocrisy

Situation in Afghanistan is good ...says a boy who went to school and can speak a foreign international language .

Great video Josie. I am not surprised that the people were kind, hospitable and friendly. I have never thought that the Afghan people would be unwelcoming. All those little boys who approached you were utterly charming but there was not one little girl in sight

Afghanistan is our neighbor, and it is a country that has suffered as we have. Give them some time, and when they are stable, we should help them. Love from China.

Imagine where Afghanistan could be today without the Taliban, without other countries waging war on their ground and with the modern society they used to have.

The men were going to great lengths to emphasise the importance of kindness to humans but where's the kindness to the Afghan women, to their own mothers, wives, sisters, daughters who are now silent prisoners of the Taliban regime. I remember, shortly after the Taliban took over again, an Afghan woman who was days from completing a double degree and her heartbreak that all her hard work 'had been for nothing' as she was forbidden from completing her studies. The helplessness the Afghan women must feel, for themselves and for their daughters, is heartbreaking.

I feel like she saw Afghanistan through more of a male’s viewpoint than a woman’s, and found it far more pleasant than ‘what the media says’.

As an Indian, I think it's India which is the most unsafe country for women seeing how our women are ill-treated, we are literally the R∆P€ capital of the world. Most victims don't survive to tell the tale, and the others don't report to the police due to public humiliation. It's sad to see that happening in my country.

Thanks so much for coming !! Im currently in kabul i wish i met u 😭 but hey its fine , thanks so much for being honest, respectful, and some people may hate on you for it dont worry about it there just small minded people probably sitting in there houses happy , free of any problems m so thx so much gurl ❤❤

What a totally amazing personal documentary! You incorporate human connections in the most diverse cultures and places with this one being so unique. Absolutely loved this video, you are a global ambassador who highlights the kindness and goodness in everyone no matter what their race, religion, sex, country of birth or beliefs. You should be commended for this heart felt informative content. Thank you so much for sharing such caring and honest real-life perspectives from all over the world. You bring a unique style to You Tube- keep it up. Excellent!

Woahhhh this type of content is what draws me in your channel! Great work, Josie! Love from the 🇵🇭

when your tour guide was talking about his dream my heart was breaking. This video was so touching.

This is heartbreaking. It's clear the locals don't agree with how the Taliban is running the country. My fear is that the longer the Taliban is in control, the more Afghani people will come to tolerate and even endorse their treatment of civilians.

all these hospitable men must be uneasy about what is happening to their girls and women, surely. Where are the women, the ladies who keep all these men happy, fed, fulfilled, where oh where is the female voice of Afghanistan? where is she? where is her laughter, her kindness, her wisdom, her intelligence, her strength, why can’t she be shown, revered, celebrated, supported?

Another great video, Josie! Thank you for sharing Afghanistan with us ❤ i know Afghani's, and they are very kind and love to share ❤ i hope their country can be better. They deserve it !! Love from Montreal 🇨🇦

Great video ! They allow foreign women into more things then there own it breaks my heart

Salam. I am muslim and I very much appreciate your kindness and understanding of a different culture. I am female and love my religion. Your video is beautiful. Thank you again for ur kindness. 💓

So they think it’s important to be kind to humans. OK then what exactly do they classify their own women as?

Lots of hypocrisy by the men in the video when it’s illegal for women to do anything How can they say they are a peaceful loving nation when women are so oppressed

It’s hard to judge this video because she is an outside, so naturally will be treated differently,

You provide such an unbiased view which is so refreshing!

The Afghan man on the bicycle, who stopped and offered his assistance and help in “anything they need” was so nice and friendly. Also very charming ☺️

Just have to say you are gutsy because as a woman, I doubt I would be as brave as you to go there.

It's NOT the every day people that make Afghanistan a dangerous, evil place, it's the Taliban....and that is beyond sad for the people. The people are just victims of the evil.

Josie a big Salute to you ! Your bravery and determination is amazing . My tears rolling automatically when your guide shared his life and how his dream shattered .Thank you so much for this wonderful video ❤️

Josie you really outdid yourself with this video! This video had a different feel to your other ones but not in a bad way. You really approached such a complex scenario with such a human approach, despite being nervous. This video was beautiful to watch because of your kindness and empathy but also the everyday people of Afghanistan. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with us!

You were so humble whenever you interacted with the local Afghanis, and you walked with a spring in your step. Respect to you!

The little children following you in the stretch walk was sooo cute! Ur very brave and I def would’ve had a thousand panic attacks just from the STARES from the men. Very uncomfy. Great video!!! ❤

As a female you are so brave Josie❤

This is amazing, thank you for sharing your journey with us Josie!

Josie you are a legend. Hi from Australia. I have been following you since China. You two are really showing life, grit and all, in places most of us will never get to. Thank you and congratulations.

Very touching video. Josie, it's very courageous of you to go into Afghanistan and show us that it's like, especially having to sit among 15+ men in a strange setting. Your guide Mahdi is great and we are thankful. I've subscribed his channel and hope the best for him and Afghanistan! Thank you again Josie for doing the difficult part for us!

Most people want to live in peace and harmony. Thanks for the beautiful video.

You’ve found your place and identity on RU-vid. It’s clear now.. You’re a storyteller ✨

This is beautiful! I am engaged to my finance who is Afghan and immigrated to North America about 15 years ago. He always remembers his childhood in Afghanistan and misses it. Hopefully one day we can go together.

I will be so happy to see you go 1 million. Love and respect from India🇮🇳. And thankyou Afghan brothers🇦🇫 for your wonderful hospitality❤️🇮🇳🇦🇫

So why would you want people who treat women like this in your country?

Phenomenal exposure to mysterious unknown country.. as we all know the media does not always show truth - you are so brave to go & what a gift you shared with all of us. Thank you!

A big statue of Buddha was blown by the Taliban in this cursed land 😢

Outstanding episode! This deserves a million views. Well done Josie and Michael ❤

I don’t understand how people can treat their beloved mother,wife and sisters, daughters this way.

I've always wanted to see Afghanistan. the history alone is so interesting. Thank you for making the video, and pointing out that you can't show the women, but it doesn't mean they weren't there and you didn't interact with them.

I feel for the women and children over there no education for girls and women no rights at all this will never change

One of my best friends in high school was from Afghanistan - they had to flee the country in the late 70s😭. Her family were the kindest, most welcoming people you could ever know.

You are a brave woman. As a woman, I'd be horrified to be there. The native women in Afghanistan have few rights, if any.

This made me so emotional. It's lovely to see that it isnt like what the media says, but still breaks my heart how their own women are treated. Thank you for sharing. I think I would love to visit someday and see for myself.

I am not so surprised as the reporter was struck by the spontaneous and genuine welcome of the locals: a type of welcome so warm that most Western countries can only very remotely imagine. To tell the truth, often most of these documentary genres, are built with a structure that creates a certain suspense towards those who watch the reporter as someone very brave who, entering the woods, sees that the wolf he expected to meet was not so much a wolf, but rather the opposite. Let's say that the documentary was starting with this trend, but the ending left us pleasantly surprised.

That was a dangerous trip. The people are very friendly-the government not so much. Glad you’re safe. I can’t believe you filmed even though you were told not to! That’s incredibly ballsy. ❤

I know people who lived in Afghanistan in the 50s-70s. Women wore whatever they wanted and went to university. Look it up.

I loved this video so much. Your tour guide was so lovely a handsome young man with such a dream for boxing but puts his family first is so touching. I wish that his dreams will come true for him. To often we are fed wrong truths and are left with negative thoughts, But you have shown that this beautiful country is full of friendly people with warm hearts Thankyou for sharing, xx

You are a brave girl..feeling very bad for afghanistan women ...how will they survive.

Literally speechless. What a video, Josie ❤

My initial thought is if the taliban want good press going out , the men probably ‘have’ to be nice to you

Hey there! Just to be clear because I've seen comments talking bad about islam and as a Muslim woman (studied sharia law and a lawyer), I'm telling you that the country and Taliban are violating the rules of islam and they have agenda in the name of islam. Just because one country is bad doesn't mean islam is.. We're allowed to study and work and everything (both men and women are obligated to study btw). The man is obligated to protect and provide for the woman or else he's a sinner (her father- brother - uncle - husband). The woman has her money only for herself and NO ONE can use it. The woman inherits more than a man in most cases and if the man inherited more money then he's obliged to provide to the woman and their children anyways. If they got divorced, he's still obliged to provide for her and her children until she's financially stable or married. Those the real rules in islam and i can go on and on 'cause there's still A LOT of rights for women. The first university was founded by Fatima Al-Fehri (A Muslim scholar woman). One of the greatest scholars in the Islamic history is Aisha-bint-Abibakr and both men and women were her students... Sending love to Afghan women and one day they'll be free from this prison. ❤️

This intro made me feel things, amazing amazing. Also you're absolutely crazy for going there.

Don’t know how I came across your channel today but absolutely obsessed with your videos ! You got a new subscriber here ! Love and light from Ohio 🇺🇸!

Afghanistan is going to be the most closeted gay country in the world, due to shutting out women from the public spaces. The men are going to be affectionate with each others

Thank you for sharing this from a true and informative perspective, and including some history as well. This is one of the best and truest vlogs I’ve seen!

Incredible stuff Josie! I’m glad you had a good time there overall despite the realities on the ground.

loved this video, not sure why it appeared in my reccomendations but it was the wholesome video i needed

First time viewer! Shout out to Josie for hitting so many good points. I am a tough critic of travel videos. And I long to visit the middle east - lovely to see your experience. Almost all travelers seem to say the middle east is the friendliest and generally safest, in terms of not being robbed or pic pocketed.

WOW Josie!! Absolutely amazing work ❤ If only everyone could be kind to each other the world would be a better place.

What a truly amazing video Josie! I loved every second of this. ❤

Thanks Josie for sharing your experiences ❤

I've had a lot of interactions with Arabs and I think Arabic hospitality really stands out, it's really remarkable. There's a culture of kindness and honor that I really find commendable. It's really only becomes a problem when you mix it with Islam. Add something that happens in this video is so common. Because she is not Muslim and not tide personally to any of them she is afforded a tolerance that they wouldn't offer a sister or wife, or even a resident, and because they feel that she is somehow exempt of the same harsh demands that Islam would place on their own women we instead see them revert to default Afghan Hospitality towards their fellow human.

This is horrible. A world without women and girls. This is how sad Islam is.

A beautiful video showing that the normal Afghan person is not the taliban but sadly that doesn’t detract from the regime these people live under and the dangers that these people live under.

OMG, I have so many thoughts in my head and so little time to write. You had me in tears through most of this video, I NEVER expected so much love and kindness for the Afghani people, especially the men! Thank you for reminding me that all is not what it seems in the media, just as you say, we all want the same things in life, and to show love and kindness to all. Thank you, Josie, I'm truly moved. Safe travels! Love from the US!

The media makes people think and believe in certain ways but the opposite is true! The concepts we have are formed by the media. I took a train in India, a 24 hours ride. When taking my seat I noticed I shared my compartment with 5 Muslim men from Gujarat in traditional dress. I felt so uncomfortable. But when the first chai was served and snacks were shared they were the kindest most humble people who made me feel even save. The entire journey they gave me chai and shared food. In the morning they even gave me their oil perfume for refreshment as they were applying before their prayer. It's sad to see the polarization.

This is why I subscribe to your channel Josie. And why I share your videos with friends. You are definitely one of the most open minded Westerners I have ever viewed. Thank you for bringing your videos to the world ❤

Thank you for posting this video.. Im so surprised and happy to see how friendly and accommodating the Afghani people are 😃👍

Super friendly men but utterly horrific that women are imprisoned in their own bodies. Awful!

Love from Pakistan to all afghanis🥰🥰we have Pakhtoons and Afghan brothers and sisters here in Pakistan and anyone can easily tell you here that this race(The pakhtoon) race is the bravest, most hospitable,kindest and most sovereign race on this planet ever..❤I love our Pakhtoon brothers and sisters abd ofcourse every Afghani..

Its nice and all that you went there and got to experience for 100hrs how it feels to be in Afghanistan. But i really dont get the parts where "dont trust the media" are being emphasized. No one in the west is saying Afgahn pple arent good people. The media and the west are just bringing into light whats life is like for afghans, especially women, under the Taliban. So i think your narrative, and the Afghans saying "dont trust the media" is extremely unnecessarily as people in the west arent saying Afgahn pple arent good pple or aren't nice and welcoming but are saying the Talibans aren't the good ones

This was an incredible video. Thank you for showing me things I haven’t seen and giving me things to think about that I may not have before. My best wishes are with the people who welcomed you. ❤ from the USA

Wow, what an amazing experience you had in Afghanistan, who’d have thought they’d be so welcoming towards you as a woman, I definitely think differently about this country after having watched your experience, not that I’ll be visiting it or anywhere for that matter however my views have changed quite a bit so for that I thank you for sharing your time with us🙏♥️💫✨👼🏻✨💫♥️🙏