A Thousand Voices, A Thousand Acts, A Thousand Splendid Suns Event Canberra.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Canberra hosted an event inspired by “A Thousand Splendid Sons” the novel by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini. The afternoon event, held on Saturday 29 November.  marked two things – the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and a campaign of solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan.

The strong message conveyed in dialogue, theatre, music and arts throughout the afternoon was the dire situation for girls and women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and in what way those of us outside Afghanistan can support women and girls in Afghanistan.

Some suggestions to campaign in solidarity with women and girls in Afghanistan I heard were for supporters to buy handcrafts, jewellery or embroidery as an act of not only acquiring beautiful things but also as an act of solidarity where the proceeds go to women and girls in Afghanistan; the need for data gathering and international channels through the United Nations to make it illegal to deny education to women;  all countries making girls education a prerequisite before dealing with the Taliban regime;  fostering more secret schools with the assistance of allies and supporters in Australia;  awareness raising of the misogynistic suppression of any rights for women in Afghanistan to the detriment of life and health to future generations.

BMRSG’s friend and film maker Muzafar Ali spoke on a panel on education and empowerment, moderated by Karen Middleton, about the leadership being taken by girls in Afghanistan in defying the regime and continuing with education.  He also spoke that while cycling from Melany to Adelaide to raise funds for girls’ education, he experienced that rural Australians and the Australian community are willing to support and be part of this movement of struggle against the Taliban’s rule.  He acknowledged Rural Australian for Refugees’ presence at the event and that they are unsung heroes and part of the struggle that the women of Afghanistan are doing.

What you can do to stand in solidarity with the Women and Girls of Afghanistan 

Support the campaign I stand United in Solidarity with the Women and Girls of Afghanistan.
Support Afghan women by purchasing a piece of embroidery from Hoori Handmade www.hoorihandmade.com.au

Support Afghan women by shopping with purpose with the ZamZam Foundation zamzam.org.au