Every Woman's Success Should be an Inspiration to Another

International Women’s Day was observed earlier this month by the University of Saint Joseph’s Women’s Leadership Center and the World Affairs Council of Connecticut with a special program featuring H.E. Roya Rahmani, former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States. She was introduced to the audience in attendance and watching via livestream that evening by four students attending Hartford High School who had emigrated from Afghanistan to Connecticut. Excerpts from two of those introductions follow…

My name is Sadia Hashimi. I am a senior at Hartford Public High School. I am a member of the Model UN. I would like to take a moment to wish happy Women’s Day to all the beautiful and strong women in this auditorium and around the world.

Today is a special day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality. I am deeply honored to be invited here on this special occasion of Women’s Day to introduce to you one of the most courageous women, Miss Roya Rahmani, the former Ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States.

Ambassador Roya Rahmani has been and is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality. She has spoken out about the challenges that faced and are facing Afghan women, particularly in the areas of education and economic opportunity. Ambassador Roya Rahmani has played a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between Afghanistan and the United States.

“Her courage, resilience, and dedication to promoting peace and empowering women serve as a shining example for all of us.”

Roya Rahmani is a true inspiration and role model for me and so many Afghani girls, women and women around the world. Her courage, resilience, and dedication to promoting peace and empowering women serve as a shining example for all of us and her perseverance and determination has inspired my sisters and I to continue our education and get involved with Model UN so we can continue to inspire other Afghan girls and women for equality and justice.

I am an Afghani girl who came to the US one year ago after I spent two years in Afghanistan under the Taliban takeover. My sisters and I went through many challenges as girls were banned from attending school. I missed two years of school. I experienced deep depression and I had to leave my country for a better life. Having passionate, strong brave and resilient women leader like Ambassador Roya Rahmani, someday all the Afghan girls will have my opportunity for a better future.

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Good evening, everyone! I’m Sadaf Hashimi from Afghanistan. I am currently a junior at Hartford Public High School and a member of Model United Nations. I'm truly honored to be here today and to be a part of this group. As we gather for this special occasion, I’d like to wish each incredible woman in here a happy International Women's Day. It's a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women around the world.

Today I am here to introduce you to a brave woman. An Afghan diplomat who served as Afghanistan's first female Ambassador to the United States, Roya Rahmani.

Roya Rahmani is chair of Delphos International, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding the firm's business networks, enhancing its global reach and amplifying its impact. She is a role model for me and all Afghan girls and women.

I admire her confidence, strength and courage.  No matter how hard, she never gives up and finds a way to succeed and that is what has inspired me to get involved with the Model UN Club.

“This is not how girls and women should be treated, this is not humanity!”

As I get this chance to speak about women's day and their rights I want to mention women rights in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is the only country in the world that has banned girls and women access to education. Research shows that currently there is just 4 percent of Afghan women working and 20 percent of Afghan girls attending school. This is not how girls and women should be treated, this is not humanity!

Let's collectively raise our voices, demand attention and advocate for the rights of Afghan girls and women. Please stand with us in this fight.