But radical Islamists
still hold important positions in today's Afghanistan, and cultural customs
perpetuate an abysmal human rights situation. Forced marriage at very young
ages is the norm. Girls and women are standardly subjected to scorn and
brutality without legal recourse. Many take their own lives in despair.
Those who escape to Pakzad's shelter -- the first of its kind in the region
-- are tainted with social stigma.
In addition to offering physical protection and emotional support to girls
and women, Pakzad's organization,
Voice of Women, works
tirelessly secure paid employment for women. Pakzad has begun to build a
social infrastructure that will go a long way toward achieving regional
strength and stability.
Pakzad continues
to receive death threats
for her crucial humanitarian work.
We are fortunate to be
able to meet her on her first return to the United States after her
acceptance last year of the rare honor of the U.S. State Department's
International Women of Courage award.
Please join us to hear Suraya Pakzad. Learn more about her work, and
consider what can be done to help.
Monday, March 23,
2009, at 7:00 p.m.
Whittier Room, Swarthmore Friends Meetinghouse
12 Whittier Place, Swarthmore PA 19081
Directions to
Swarthmore Friends Meetinghouse
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