HERAT CITY (SW) – A two-day book exhibition under the banner “Book, Kind Friend” has been inaugurated by a young woman in Herat city, on the occasion of Mother’s Day.
June 14th is marked as the annual Mother’s Day; a significant occasion celebrated globally to honor and appreciate the love, sacrifices, and contributions of mothers and maternal figures.
Fatima Mehmandost, the organizer of this exhibition, told Salam Watandar that hosting such exhibitions plays a significant role in the mental well-being of girls in the current circumstances.
“Our society needs to promote the culture of reading, and it is essential to encourage people, especially women, to engage in book reading through such literary gatherings and exhibitions,” she said.
Meanwhile, several visitors expressed their happiness about the exhibition. They noted that currently, 50 percent of girls have lost their motivation to study due to an uncertain future.
Frogh, one of the visitors, said, “I feel very good because as the girls have nothing to do, but these motivational books can make a difference for them. Right now, they don’t have much enthusiasm, only 50 percent have the desire to come, study, and read books.”
More than 400 books on various subjects, including literature, history, art, and motivational topics, are on display at this exhibition.
Zahra, another visitor, added, “Organizing exhibitions, especially book exhibitions, is very beneficial for girls. It fosters a culture of reading among them, encouraging them to come, see, read, and benefit from books. Currently, cultural activities for women are limited, and more of these initiatives would be very positive.”
Shabnam, another attendee a university graduate, mentioned that participating in such exhibitions helps her cope with the despair of unemployment and her uncertain future.
“We need schools to reopen for girls, and job opportunities should be provided to progress. Just these [exhibitions] alone won’t lead to progress and development,” she emphasized.
