“ . . . way leads on to way. . .” / Nuzhat Shahzadi

Broadly, there are 4 major tribes in Afghanistan––Pashtun, Tajik, Uzbek and Hazara. There are other smaller ethnic groups, namely, Turkmen, Baloch, Nuristani, Aimaq, etc.

I added a 5th tribe to the major tribes––women and girls.

When I decided to join UNICEF-Afghanistan (Herat Field-Office), I spoke with friends and colleagues who had worked there, Google-searched about the country, its history and heritage, the wars that transformed the nation. On joining, I read the inadequate induction documents, listened to the international and national staff, in Kabul and Herat . . .

There was curiosity, anticipation and skepticism as UNICEF-Western Region office was never headed by a woman before me. Some cynicism floated in sister-UN agencies, especially in UNAMA. All agencies were headed and dominated by male staff ––international and national. UNDSS (UN-security) solidly supported me.

International NGOs were different––many were headed by women and most staff were females.

I knew, leading the Herat-office and additional 3 sub-offices would be challenging. The female staff and our 8 drivers in Herat were more forthcoming. During my first week, I listened to all-staff. On my first day in office, one Pashtun national officer came to see me. He was big––a six-foot-plus giant, with long beard, wore several silver rings on his fingers––eyes blackened with a hint of kohl (Surma). I was startled and a bit upset when he addressed me as “sweetheart (!)” . . .

I sought the advice of our finance assistant––a Pashtun woman. “What did he exactly say to you?” she asked.

“He called me ‘Nuzhat Jaan.’ In my culture it means sweetheart. Was it on purpose?” She started laughing.

“Nuzhat, ‘jaan’ in our culture is used mostly to show respect,” she added. Lesson number one!

Inauguration of UNICEF funded Safe Play Area (SPA) for children–Nuzhat with Community leaders, Ingil District, Herat

I was introduced to key officials in various ministries. At the governor’s office, I met the Lt. Governor––a turbaned, white-bearded, elderly Tajik man. He was a highly respected leader, a Mujahedeen fighter, fought beside Ismail Khan against the Soviets. Our Child Protection officer was with me (for anonymity I will call her AG).

In the large meeting room at least 20 turbaned men were seated, all invited to meet with me. AG said my name aloud––Lt Governor’s head jerked towards me, he smiled slightly, repeated my name, and greeted me. There was a murmur in the room. In Dari or Farsi my full name meant “Truthful/cheerful Princess.” I was called “Naazhat” in Herat.

I grew up hating my name. The wicked boys in my school used to tease me because of my name––“Princess, Princess I’m your prince” or “Tell a story Princess or you will die.” We had read the “Arabian Nights”––I felt ashamed. My dad named me and I was mad with him till I became indifferent, altogether.

During my very first week, I got the endorsement of the Lt. Governor and his group–– my name worked! I withdrew my grievances against dad.

National Immunization Day in a school in Herat––Nuzhat with Head of Department of Education and govt. high officials

At govt. meetings, green tea was served along with dry fruits. Hawk-eyed waiters in turbans were always ready with porcelain teapots. The moment I finished my cup one of them would promptly fill it up. I ate the fruits and finished my tea to show respect to my hosts. Some days I ended up drinking up to 10 cups! I asked my office to save me––I was intoxicated with tea. By that time, our staff had taken me under their wings and felt it their honorable duty to guide and protect me. They laughed harmlessly at my predicament ––“You’re not supposed to finish your tea. Just take a few sips, never fully empty your cup. Otherwise, it means you want more.” Another lesson in Afghani generosity––I was humbled.

I had formed a small advisory team as my sounding board. I wanted to form similar committees and delegate them to deal with various routine staff-related issues, free of my interventions. I nominated one Shia officer to head a committee. My advisory team rejected it. They said staff would undermine a Shia’s leadership. Most staff were Sunnis. I understood I had to choose my battles carefully . . . staff needed time to accept certain changes . . .

AG was the only female national officer in Herat––rest were administrative staff/PAs. Later we recruited more. AG was unmarried till almost 40––she married a colleague, didn’t have any children. Her husband went overseas for post graduation right after I joined while she stayed behind. Because of these factors her status was considered somewhat lower. I decided to fight this, selected AG to accompany me to all high-level meetings, act as my interpreter, and envoy. Staff respected my position...

I was aware about harmless jokes regarding my “foreign-ways” and stumbles on the cultural-learning curve, but there was warmth and kindness extended to me. Behind my back some affectionately called me, “Iron Lady” for my uncompromising stand on principles, or “Queen of Herat . . . ” for many reasons.

I was accepted––the male-dominated meetings waited for me before starting . . . requested my presence on important occasions, considered me a team-member.

Some things began to change . . .

International Peace Day Celebration––One of the Chief guests (Nuzhat)

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