Hear me raw: stories from Afghan - Australian women

When the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan months ago, it sent shock waves around the world. The country and its people were once again thrust into the global spotlight, as the realities of living through another occupation became a stark reality for Afghans. Many are now fleeing the country and making their way to places like Australia.

How can we help these people once they reach our shores? How do we ensure they are supported to start their life in a new place?

Afghan Women on the Move are a Sydney-based, grassroots organisation supporting people arriving in Australia from Afghanistan – mainly women.

They meet with new arrivals and provide them with essential items such as food vouchers, feminine hygiene products, underwear, phones and batteries. They also connect new arrivals with settled Afghan migrants to create community connection and care.

To help support the work of this wonderful organisation, the UTS Multicultural Women’s Network (MWN) is hosting an online fundraising event, where you will hear stories about resilience, tenacity and fight voiced by a trio of Afghan-Australian women, including:

• Maryam Zahid, Founder and Director, Afghan Women on the Move
• Sonya Amiri, Community Endorsement Officer and Campain Manager, Afghan Women on the Move
• Zainab Khavary, graduated with a Bachelor of Policing from Kabul Police Academy and served the military in Afghanistan. She is currently a Board Member of Afghan Women on the Move.

The event will be hosted by Dr Bilquis Ghani, UTS Gender Equity Programs Manager, Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion and Chair of the UTS MWN.

When: Wednesday 20 October, 12 – 1 pm.
Where: Via Zoom. Register now.

How to donate to Afghan Women on the Move

You are invited to give a donation when registering for this event. Donations are in lieu of ticket prices. All donations go to the urgent work that Afghan Women on the Move are doing to help newly arrived Afghans to Australia – most of whom are single women who have arrived without their families and support networks. Donations are not tax-deductible, but funds will go directly into providing essential support to newly arrived Afghans to Australia.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to donate directly to Afghan Women on the Move, please click here: https://www.givenow.com.au/awotm

Every registered attendant automatically goes into the running to win 1 of 3 raffle prizes.

1st prize: Walkley Award-winning author, Safdar Ahmed's graphic novel, ‘Still Alive’, plus a $25 gift voucher from The Social Outfit. They provide employment and training to people from refugee and new migrant communities in clothing production, retail, design and marketing.

2nd prize: $35 gift voucher from The Social Outfit

3rd prize: $25 gift voucher from The Social Outfit

The theme of the event is ‘Hear me raw!’ – a play on words of the iconic feminist line ‘Hear Me Roar’ – and incorporates the rawness of what Afghans are experiencing.