International Women’s Day: Empowering Afghan Women

On March 4, 2023, the Calgary Immigrants for Immigrants Association (CIIA) hosted a vibrant International Women’s Day celebration in Calgary, Alberta, bringing together over 100 Afghan women from the local community. Organized in collaboration with The UTurn Project, the event featured distinguished guest speakers, including Leela Aheer, former Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism & Status of Women of Alberta, and several former Afghan Members of Parliament.

The gathering provided a vital platform to shed light on the ongoing struggles of Afghan women and girls, who continue to face severe restrictions on their rights to education, employment, and participation in social, economic, and political life in Afghanistan.

More than just a celebration, this event fostered empowerment by creating a space for Afghan women in Calgary to connect, share their experiences, and honor their resilience. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of standing in solidarity with women globally.