-Introduction
-Pre-Soviet History
-Pashtun People
-Soviet Invasion
-The Afghan Girl
-End of Occupation
-Taliban Rule
-The Search
-Sharbat's Identity
-Family Life-
-The 2nd Article
-
-
-

Growing up in Afghanistan, Sharbat Gula's life changed after this photo was taken. Shortly thereafter she was probably required to disguise herself behind the wall her culture placed between men in women. Her marriage was arranged at age 16, in this case by her aunt. Sharbat and her husband Rahmat Gul have had four children, but only three have survived. Sharbat and her husband are separated most of time as he lives and works in Peshawar. She must stay at home away from the city due to medical conditions. Rahmat bakes bread for a living and they struggle to get by with medical conditions that include Asthma and Hepatitis.

When asked what her thoughts on her portrait being displayed for millions on the cover of National Geographic Magazine, Sharbat would really rather it had never been taken. However, when it was explained to her that the portrait had inspired people to help send aid and volunteer, she agreed to have her photo taken again. She never asked for anything for herself when the team offered to support her family, rather she indicated that she wanted a good education for her children, and medication for her husband's Hepatitis. Her devotion to her family comes largely from her culture, but also from her experiences as a child. Her parents were killed in the Soviet Invasion and she was cared for by her extended family for much of her youth.

When asked about the Taliban and its impact on women's rights is Afghanistan, Sharbat explained that despite her desire for her daughters to become educated, the Taliban offered a stability that had not existed prior to their seizing control. This unique perspective would be presented to readers of National Geographic Magazine as well as viewers of National Geographic Explorer in April of 2002. The article would draw as much if not more attention than the original from the media in the United States where the government was talking about the reconstruction of Afghanistan.