In this episode of Tough Girl Podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Fatima, from her early years in Afghanistan to her pursuit of education, independence, and empowerment in Italy.

Fatima's childhood was marked by challenges, but her curiosity and determination to learn led her to secretly educate herself. As Afghanistan's first female tour guide, she defied expectations and empowered herself economically.

Threatened by the Taliban, Fatima made the courageous decision to flee to Italy, where she faced new obstacles but persisted in pursuing higher education. Now, as a refugee with a passion for sharing her experiences, she continues to inspire others as a unique tour guide.

Fatima's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of women. Tune in to Tough Girl Podcast to hear her journey firsthand.

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Show notes

Who is Fatima
Studying in Italy and working as a tour guide
Her early years in Afghanistan
Having 4 older brothers and 2 older sisters
Working with the sheep as a shepherdess at age 7
Not having school and not being able to study
Being inspired by hearing people on the radio
How her curiosity grew and her desire to learn more
Starting to learn secretly
Practicing her reading and writing in the sand
Being able to go to school and study
Thinking about her own future
Witnessing the suffering of women in Afghanistan
Wanting to live for herself
Wanting to be independent and the person of her choice
Becoming Afghanistan’s first female tour guide
Graduating high school and wanting to go to University to become a journalist
Convincing her mother first
Researching the history of Afghanistan
Making a Facebook account and connecting with people who travel and how that connection led to her tourist work
Untamed Borders - an adventure travel company providing unparalleled access to some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places.
Being able to earn more than her brothers and help to support her family
Wanting to encourage more women to enter the tourist industry in Afghanistan
Sharing her story on CNN
Her journey to Italy
Receiving warning that she was a target of the Taliban
Not being able to say a proper goodbye to her family
The challenges of getting into the airport to get on the plane
Moving to Italy and building a new life
Feeling mentally and physically lost and struggling to sleep
Dealing with the aftermath and reliving the trauma
Deciding to make changes in her life; getting a job, sorting out a university place, reading books and focusing on improving herself
Her passion for continuing her education and getting accepted with a fully funded scholarship to study at University in Milan (BA in International Politics and Government)
Being a refugee and having travel documents which allows her travel in Europe
Visiting Iran and meeting up with her family
Continuing to be a tour guide in a unique way
How to connect with Fatima
Her reason for wanting to travel to every country in the world.
Final words of advice
“You are powerful as a woman, don’t underestimate your power.”

Social Media

Instagram: @fatima.haidari786

Youtube: youtube.com/@fatimahaidari?si=6Tep5bklgaTWCUr4

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