Organisation campaigns for equality
Afghan women in Scotland have come together to create a new future in an International Women’s Day celebration.
More than 60 female members of Glasgow Afghan United (GAU) – the organisation for New Scots from Afghanistan – have challenged “restrictive rules” for women and girls as they seek bigger, better futures for the next generation.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2021, which celebrates female excellence and empowerment while raising awareness about equality, is “choose to challenge”.
GAU works with women and girls of all ages to build skills and overcome barriers in life, work and learning. Regular activities through its flagship Women’s Empowerment Project include language classes and sessions on rights and mental health support.
Nagineh Azar, GAU Women’s Project Coordinator, said: “Women from BAME backgrounds can suffer from years of restrictive rules and little-to-no rights for women in their home countries, as well as cultural barriers. We aim to challenge these rules and barriers and help women understand the importance of their rights, achievements, goals and aspirations to achieve their full potential.
“We believe that celebrating International Women’s day despite the lockdown supports integration, tackles social isolation and helps to remind women that they are not alone and can take control of their futures – and build greater equality for younger women and girls.”
Organisers invited city Councillor Christina Cannon and women from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities to attend a two-hour International Women’s Day celebration featuring original poetry and music as women lifted their voices and demanded to be heard.
Speakers shared stories about their backgrounds, upbringings, experiences and thoughts, with musical performances about mothers and women, a poetry recital and an open debate asking “how can we inspire other women?” and “how can we encourage our daughters to stand up for themselves and not limit themselves?”
As discussion about violence against women continues on social media, GAU’s members strongly condemn all forms of gender-based discrimination and harassment.
GAU volunteer Khalida Bostani, a mother-of-six, said: “Discrimination against women is sadly still too common across cultures. By working together, women become stronger. We owe it to ourselves and our children to use all of our power to overturn sexism, tackle prejudice and defy violence. We choose to challenge these barriers for all women.”
GAU founder and director Abdul Bostani commented: “The Women’s Empowerment Project represents the values of our organisation – unity, equality, peace and diversity.
“The incredible women in our team are teachers, carers, thinkers and do-ers who listen, reflect and act to make our city and our society a better place. GAU is proud to support their work as they continue to succeed.
“Men and boys must also get behind these efforts. We urge men from all ethnicities, communities and backgrounds to commit to making our country safer and better for women and girls, who represent more than half of our population.”
