Brave Afghan feminist visits

Date: 20 July 2007

Sohaila, a member of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, will be visiting Adelaide in August as part of a national tour to highlight the challenges facing women in her war-torn country.

She will give a first hand account of the struggle for human rights, democracy and secular values in a country ravaged by war and religious fundamentalism.

Sohaila's tour has been organised by the Support Association for the Women of Afghanistan (SAWA). Her identity is being kept deliberately vague to protect her safety.

SAWA spokesperson Barbara James expects large crowds at Sohaila's engagements and says they will hear an inspiring story.

"The achievements of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan are remarkable given the circumstances," she says.

"For 30 years, through Soviet occupation, Taliban rule, the American invasion and the current reign of warlords, RAWA has continued the struggle for democracy, human rights and secularism."

"As well as providing leadership to Afghani women struggling for human rights and equality, RAWA run health clinics, schools and refugee camps. The Taliban prohibited the education of girls and are still murdering teachers who dare to do so."

"The brave women of RAWA take great risks. The organisation's founder, Meena, was killed in 1987 and members' work regularly puts them at risk from the remnants of the Taliban and the warlord-dominated Afghani government."

"The real achievements of RAWA in extreme circumstances are inspiring," says Ms James. "We are proud to be bringing Sohaila to Australia and encourage the public to come and hear her inspiring story and support the brave work of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan."

SAWA raises awareness and funds to support the work of RAWA. Money raised in Australia maintains the Nasimah Shaheed High School in the Khewa refugee camp on the Afghan/Pakistan border.

SA Tour Itinerary

ADELAIDE

Tuesday 7 August: Sohaila visits Broken Hill's Willyama High School, the sister school to RAWA's Naseema Shaheed High School in Khewa refugee camp)

PUBLIC EVENT

Thursday 9 August 4.30 pm: Sohaila attends a public function of Amnesty International at the Bliss Cafe, 7 Compton St, City (just off Gouger St), Adelaide. Booking before 6 August essential, 8110 8100.

Thursday 9 August 7 pm: Sohaila attends a fundraising dinner, Pondok Bali Restaurant, 310 Pulteney St, Adelaide. Booking essential

For further information

Contact:	Barbara James
Union:	Support Association for the Women of Afghanistan
Contact Mobile:	0416 188 015

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