Sylvia's Journal

In the morning we were unpleasantly surprised with the latest news about the women shelters and attempts by reactionary forces in this society to reign them in and impose government controls because, as they claim, these are ‘houses of ill repute.’ Ministry of Justice officials have investigated the accusations and publicly stated they have no grounds. But the accusers don’t give up. They have become very active, virtually stalking women and groups who try to counter them. It is a worrisome trend, especially as we know of at least one young and talented woman who may stay alive because of the existence of such safe houses.

In the afternoon we heard of a ‘complex attack’ (jargon for multiple actors with multiple means of destruction) in the center of Kabul at the Safi Landmark hotel (a second time this place has been targeted). One of our staff was close but the driver made a quick U-turn and drove him to safety. That too is worrisome.

In between I had a lighter moment. I sat for half an hour with our housekeeper who arrived with our monthly guesthouse supply order that I have to sign. We talked in broken Dari and English to figure out why he needs 18 boxes (packs) of washing powder (brandname: Pak which means clean in Dari) – this in itself was a confusing linguistic situation – packs of Pak. It quickly turned into a third grade math problem: if he does and average of 8 to 10 loads a week (that much?) and one pack of Pak washes about 5 to 6 loads then why the 18 boxes for a month’s supply? I had to call in a translator to sort it out. The order was reduced to 8 boxes.

I am disappointed about M’s reception back in the office. None of her male colleagues asked her about her work there, and only a couple of women came to greet her but neither asked about her work either. It is as if she went on a holiday, as a tourist. I am very discouraged by this.

More bad news from the afternoon school program that, together with a women’s writers project has received threats. We have cancelled our Thursday class and the girls are being dispersed.

More discouragement from not being able to do what I came out to do, revelations of petty squabbles and jealousies that undermine our work together and pull us apart, not just me.

Two of my expat colleagues left on R&R, taking advantage of two holidays (the prophet’s birthday, Mawlud, and the retreat of the Russians). Our R&R, postponed because of a HQ visit, is still 5 or even 6 weeks away yet we never needed it more. For now we will have to make do with the next two days off and use them to raise our very low spirits.

All in all today was a very bad day. I think it is good time to watch Mr. Bean tonight.