Canadian support for Afghan women

This video says about itself:

Afghan Member of Parliament [then, in 2006, still; before she was expelled] Malalai Joya speaks about the troubling and declining status of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

By Hilary Paige Smith in Canada:

17 Mar 2010

Support for Afghan women

Citizens from across Fredericton will come together on March 20 in the SUB Ballroom to support women across the ocean.

The fourth annual variety show for the Revolutionary Association of Women in Afghanistan, sponsored by the Fredericton Peace Coalition, the NB-RebELLEs, the University Women’s Centre, CUSO-VSO and the New Brunswick Public Interest Research Group, will raise money to support RAWA.

Event organizer Tracy Glynn spoke about the inspiration that started the event and enables it to continue each year.

“Reading about the harsh reality of women in Afghanistan, we wanted to act in solidarity with our Afghan sisters. A member of the Fredericton Peace Coalition mentioned an organization called RAWA and we did research on the organization. We were deeply inspired by their courageous work defending the rights of Afghan women,” she said. …

The event organizer said the event is especially important now because reports are showing that the situation of women in Afghanistan is deteriorating.

“Afghan women are being sold, raped and killed. Afghan women are being publicly flogged for fleeing their homes to escape beatings and violence. Afghan women are also subjecting themselves to self-immolation, setting themselves on fire, to escape their misery,” she said.

Last year, participating organizations raised $5,000 for RAWA with two benefit shows. Event organizers hope to raise $2,000 with this event alone.

Glynn said the evening promises to be fun and educational for all.

The event takes place on March 20 at 7 p.m. in the SUB Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for general audience and $7 for students and are available at the Alden Nowlan Grad House, Westminster Books and the SUB Welcome Centre. Donations to RAWA can also be made before April 15 to the Fredericton Peace Coalition by contacting info@frederictonpeace.org.