Inverness evening of solidarity with Afghan offers powerful insight on lives, challenges and strength of women under Taliban regime
People in Inverness showed their solidarity with Afghan women and the challenges they face with the growing attacks on human rights perpetrated by the Taliban government.
Held at Eden Court last week, the event started with the projection of An Unfinished Journey, a new documentary on gender apartheid in Afghanistan, and was followed by a powerful panel featuring Farzana Matin, (a trustee of the Lewis-based Linda Norgrove Foundation), urban planner and human rights advocate Madison Safdari, and local Highland resident and beauty therapist Zuhal Ahmadzai.
It was organised by Humans of the Highlands, an initiative run by Muir Of Ord-based human rights worker Hannah Clyne, and in partnership with the Linda Norgrove Foundation — supporting women and children in Afghanistan — and Highland rape crisis centre RASASH.
Ms Clyne said the event was a great success, selling out on spaces and with around 25 Afghan women in attendance.
She said the speakers on the night shared “moving and deeply personal” reflections on the lives, challenges, and strength of Afghan women.
“Zuhal spoke openly about her own experience of arriving in Scotland, touching on the isolation and depression she faced, and the vital need for welcoming and supportive communities.
“ Farzana and Madison also issued a powerful call to action, urging both the UK and Scottish Governments to recognise the systemic oppression of Afghan women as a crime against humanity and to never normalise the Taliban. They highlighted the urgent need for more education funding and scholarships for Afghan women and girls.”
“As Madison put it: ‘The Taliban doesn’t want to educate women because they know that educated women would never let their sons pick up a gun.’”
The evening also saw Rhoda Grant MSP and Highland Councillor Kate MacLean share messages of solidarity. It was followed by a dive into Afghan flavours thanks to a new Inverness-based food vendor.
Ms Clyne continued: “We are very thankful to RASASH for sponsoring the event, to Eden Court for providing the venue, and to Afghan Flavours — a new Afghan-owned food business in Inverness — for the delicious catering that brought people together over shared culture and community.
“Also special thanks to Zahra Husseini, a medical student from Afghanistan, for her brilliant interpreting, alongside her fellow interpreter.”
Ms Grant said it was “humbling” to attend the event.
“I have campaigned for women’s rights all my life, but it was sobering to hear of rights we all take for granted being removed,” she said.
“Not only that, but to be persecuted for protesting against that attack. Also persecuted are those who have held an office in the past, that is now reserved for men. To flee is also dangerous. To leave home, family and loved ones for an unknown destination with only what you can carry is terrifying.
“We must all redouble our efforts to make change in Afghanistan, and indeed throughout the world, to ensure people are not forced from home because they want to be equal. We must also recognise the impact of that on refugees and endeavour to support them, welcome them and fight for a better future for all. I hope to see the day that they will be reunited with their loved ones, to be allowed to go home without persecution and to live their lives unharmed.”
RASASH training officer Lindsay Linning added: “We are proud to have supported this event. It offered a very valuable space to hear and learn more about the lived experiences of Afghan women living both in Afghanistan and in Scotland, as well as a chance to sample wonderful Afghan cuisine.
“As the Rape Crisis Service covering the Highland region, we stand against any form of gender-based inequality and stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, many of whom are courageously standing up and speaking out against their own oppression under the Taliban.”
