Women’s Role in Society: The Experience in Afghanistan (Inaugural Annual Mary Ann McCracken Lecture)

Those attending will hear from Sara, a recent Politics and International Relations graduate, who fled Afghanistan at the age of six. She is now the voice for many Afghans facing oppression. The Foundation is also delighted to welcome Sima, who has fled Kabul following the recent Taliban uprising. Sima was born in Kabul in 1982. She studied medicine at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and in 2007 moved back to Kabul, to work. Up until recently, Sima served as a doctor in many Kabul hospitals, specializing in obstetrics and gynaecology services and ultrasound examinations for Afghan women.

Contributions to this event also come from Bilal, an Afghan national who served as Cultural Advisor and Interpreter for British Forces in Afghanistan from 2009 until 2014, working with many personnel in the Helman province. Following death threats from the Taliban, Bilal was forced to move to Australia at the end of 2014 when British troops withdrew from Afghanistan. Bilal’s intricate knowledge of Afghanistan, and extensive network throughout the country and wider region, enabled him to secure safe passage for many vulnerable Afghans, including his family, over the past couple of months. The dramatic events were highlighted in a recent BBC Spotlight programme.

The event will also provide a platform to allow those in supporting roles to tell the audience more about how they are lobbying for change here in terms of legislation and supporting the provision of services for asylum seekers and refugees.

Sir Ronnie Weatherup, President of Belfast Charitable Society, will chair the session and facilitate attendees questions after these powerful contributions are made.

This lecture will be hosted online, using Zoom.

Book Tickets

Tickets are £10 per device and all proceeds going to support work with refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland. 

You will receive the zoom code on the morning of the event to the email address provided via our ticketing system below.

Concession rates available, please contact Clifton House.