{"title":"Niloofar Rahmani","description":"\u003cp\u003eNiloofar Rahmani is a remarkable figure in contemporary literature, celebrated for her inspiring contributions to the Biography \u0026amp; Memoir genre. Known primarily for her groundbreaking work, \u003cem\u003eOpen Skies\u003c\/em\u003e, she provides readers with an intimate look into her extraordinary life. As Afghanistan's first female fixed-wing Air Force pilot, Rahmani has overcome immense challenges and shattered societal norms to pave the way for future generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eOpen Skies\u003c\/em\u003e, Niloofar Rahmani shares her compelling story with honesty and courage, offering a unique perspective on resilience and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. Her work is not only a personal memoir, but also a broader commentary on the cultural and political landscapes of Afghanistan. This collection is perfect for those interested in stories of determination, empowerment, and the relentless spirit of a trailblazing woman.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"open-skies-by-niloofar-rahmani-9781641608466","title":"Open Skies","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNiloofar Rahmani was born in 1991 in Kabul, Afghanistan, just a few years after the Soviets left. During the rise of the Taliban, her father took his young family to Pakistan, where they lived for nine years as refugees. Then, after the 9\/11 terrorist attacks and the international coalition's invasion, the Rahmani family returned to their home in Kabul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2010, for the first time since the Soviets, Afghanistan allowed women to join the armed forces, and Niloofar entered Afghanistan's military academy. However, the professed openness of the new Afghan military could not surmount centuries of chauvinism. Niloofar had to break through social barriers to demonstrate confidence, leadership, and decisiveness—essential qualities for a pilot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAgainst the odds, Niloofar performed the first solo flight of her class—ahead of all her male classmates—and in 2013 became Afghanistan's first female fixed-wing air force pilot. Yet some Afghan soldiers refused to fly with her, while others disparaged and harassed her. In 2014, the Taliban threatened Niloofar, her father lost his job, and extended family members disavowed them. The US State Department honoured Niloofar with the International Women of Courage Award and sent her to the United States to meet Michelle Obama and fly with the US Navy's Blue Angels. But when she returned to Kabul, the danger to her and her family had increased significantly, forcing them to move every few months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2015, the US military brought Niloofar back to the US to learn to fly C-130s, but before graduation, she learned she couldn't go home and requested political asylum. She was granted US asylum in 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpen Skies\u003c\/em\u003e is described as \u003cb\u003e'a highly readable memoir for older teens researching the fight for women's rights around the world or looking for inspiration.'\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cem\u003eBooklist\u003c\/em\u003e, starred review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Delivered with compassion and courage, Rahmani's heart-racing account will leave readers gripping their seats. This is a vital work of the highest order.'\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cem\u003ePublishers Weekly, starred review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46845357293804,"sku":"9781641608466","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/13074783482772.jpg?v=1758874569"},{"product_id":"open-skies-by-niloofar-rahmani-9781641603348","title":"Open Skies","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNiloofar Rahmani was born in 1991 in Kabul, Afghanistan, just a few years after the Soviets left. During the rise of the Taliban, her father took his young family to Pakistan, where they lived for nine years as refugees. Then, after the 9\/11 terrorist attacks and the international coalition's invasion, the Rahmani family returned to their home in Kabul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2010, for the first time since the Soviets, Afghanistan allowed women to join the armed forces, and Niloofar entered Afghanistan's military academy. However, the professed openness of the new Afghan military could not surmount centuries of chauvinism. Niloofar had to break through social barriers to demonstrate confidence, leadership, and decisiveness - essential qualities for a pilot. Against the odds, Niloofar performed the first solo flight of her class - ahead of all her male classmates - and in 2013 became Afghanistan's first female fixed-wing air force pilot. Yet some Afghan soldiers refused to fly with her, while others disparaged and harassed her. In 2014 the Taliban threatened Niloofar, her father lost his job, and extended family members disavowed them. The US State Department honoured Niloofar with the International Women of Courage Award and sent her to the United States to meet Michelle Obama and fly with the US Navy's Blue Angels. But when she returned to Kabul, the danger to her and her family had increased significantly, forcing them to move every few months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2015 the US military brought Niloofar back to the US to learn to fly C-130s, but before graduation she learned she couldn't go home, and requested political asylum. She was granted US asylum in 2018.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpen Skies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a highly readable memoir for older teens researching the fight for women's rights around the world or looking for inspiration. - \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDelivered with compassion and courage, Rahmani's heart-racing account will leave readers gripping their seats. This is a vital work of the highest order. - \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly, starred review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46845365813484,"sku":"9781641603348","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/13023603482772.jpg?v=1758874895"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/niloofar-rahmani.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}