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By Theo Spanos Dunfey GCC Assistant Director Phoebe de Larrabeiti and I recently attended CSW69, which marks the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, held at the United Nation Headquarters in New York. We are grateful to Marlyn Tadros, CEO and Executive Director of Digital Democracy Now for hosting GCC at UNCSW. A highlight was meeting one of GCC's Emerging Leaders, Nilab Ahmadi from Afghanistan, and celebrating her selection for the UN youth cohort. We enjoyed GCC Board member Priscilla Lee’s presentation on Afghan girls’ education and were deeply moved by a panel of survivors of sexual abuse and prostitution. Inspiring sessions featured young leaders and storytellers, while cultural moments included learning a Maori proverb and enjoying their singing. A final interactive session felt like a fitting celebration of our experiences and gave us hope for what’s to come. I hope you enjoy this video compilation of our time at CSW69. Theo Spanos Dunfey is president and executive director of Global Citizens Circle. She has over 30 years of global experience in non-profits, higher education, and international affairs. Dunfey is a graduate of the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, concentrating on American diplomatic history, international communication, and international development. It was during her studies at the Fletcher School that she first began volunteering with Global Citizens Circle’s Boston programs. She also earned a bachelor’s in international relations and French at Brown University. With a primary focus on global issues, Dunfey taught international development at the University of New England, led student groups on global citizenship service-learning trips abroad, directed the World Affairs Council of Maine, and produced numerous global editorial conferences for The WorldPaper before taking the helm at Global Citizens Circle. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.
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 By R. Rahini Like many other Afghans, I experienced a period of extreme terror and bewilderment in August 2021 when the Taliban seized power in the nation. I realized we had to make a choice for our future when my family and I saw the world crumble around us for a few days. Despite having very little money to make the trip, my wife and I decided to leave Afghanistan. In the hopes of finding security and stability, we made the decision to go to Pakistan, but this would not be a simple journey. We met many difficulties on our journey, particularly at the numerous checkpoints we went through along the way. Each time, we were questioned and treated harshly when it was discovered that we were Hazaras. Prejudice permeated their responses, and we were turned away at multiple checkpoints. People from the Hazara community were not allowed to cross the border freely by the government. Although this was very discouraging, we persisted until we were eventually able to enter Pakistan. After arriving in Pakistan, we encountered new challenges. I quickly discovered that it was very hard to obtain a job there, which also made it hard to pay for even the most basic of bills due to our tight budget. One of the most difficult periods of our lives was the month we spent in Pakistan. My present employer made me a job offer just when it seemed like we were out of options. In the middle of the mayhem, it felt like a lifeline. After talking about the possibility with my spouse, we concluded that it would not be feasible to remain in Pakistan without any assistance or a certain future. Despite the risks, it seemed that returning to Afghanistan was the only option. We made the tough decision to return, and I began working at my new job. When I got back, though, I noticed something that made my heart hurt. Like so many other women and girls in Afghanistan, my wife and sister had given up on life. Due to the new regime's constraints, they were forced to stay in our home and were unable to continue their studies. They felt apprehensive about their future, dissatisfied, and frustrated. When I saw this, I realized I had to do something. The ladies in my life couldn't continue to live their dreams in silence. Upon starting my search, I discovered that women might qualify for a number of scholarships provided they met the English language proficiency criteria. My wife and sister were not able to access an accredited educational system, so I took it upon myself to teach them English. We worked nonstop for six months. I taught them English every day, and over time, they improved gradually. My sister and wife were eventually prepared to go through the required interviews and exams to get the scholarships they had been pursuing. They were admitted after putting in months of arduous effort and devotion. It was a triumphant moment for me as well, as I knew that I had assisted them in escaping the constraints placed upon them. However, this was insufficient. I came to see how many other Afghani women and girls were facing the same challenges. Despite having hopes, potential, and goals, they were not allowed to pursue an education. I made the decision for girls because I was motivated by my wife and sister's achievements. I set out to assist them in learning English so they might break free from the limitations holding them back and become eligible for scholarships. I'm happy to report that about 15 girls currently participate English language program. Like my wife and sister, they are putting in a lot of work, and I have no doubt that they will accomplish great things as well. They're going to apply for scholarships, and maybe soon, they'll be able to continue their study and establish themselves outside of Afghanistan. When I look back, my trip from Pakistan to Afghanistan was a homecoming to both my native country and my purpose in life. I came to see that I could still have an impact despite everything. My impulse to provide the same help to other women and girls who had been denied the chance to pursue their education came from seeing my wife and sister find hope once more. This is not the end of my journey. Observing the girls who visit the center every day, I can see their determination. Their perseverance and bravery in facing challenges serve as a reminder of the strength and fortitude of Afghan women. I'm filled with pride and hope as they get ready for their futures. Despite the difficult times Afghanistan is facing, I will do everything in my power to maintain the flickering flame of empowerment and education. R. Rahimi was born in 1991 in Bamyan, Afghanistan. After finishing school, he went to Kabul Polytechnic University to study Information Technology and graduated in 2017. Post-graduation, he worked as a research assistant with Kelly Franklin, PhD candidate in the Systems Ecology Program at the University of Montana for about six months. Rahimi went on to work at MEDAIR as a quality assurance assistant from 2018-2021, before joining an international humanitarian organization as an IT operations assistant. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in research, quality control, and IT operations, especially in humanitarian work.
Despite the difficult times Afghanistan is facing, I will do everything in my power to maintain the flickering flame of empowerment and education. |
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