1. Tell us about yourself.
I am from Afghanistan and graduated from law school. I participated with an NGO called Ascend and was a part of a group of 45 mountain climbing girls I wrote my first book on the topic of how much time a person must wait before going to jail in Afghanistan and international law. I wrote the book in just nine months. Although it’s not translated into English yet, it’s a piece of work I’m proud of. I wrote this book while trying to look for a job in a law firm since I wasn’t being accepted anywhere because I was a girl, Shia, and from the Hazara people who are discriminated against. I worked in HR and then at a local clothing store despite my education in law. This made me sad. When the Taliban came, it became dangerous. For 2 months we could not leave to go outside. They came to my house and it was very scary.

Then with the help of my American teacher from Ascend, my parents and I left for Dubai where we lived for 10.5 months. This was worse than jail. I am so thankful to Canada for bringing us here. I’m so lucky to now be in Canada – this is my golden chance. It is very hard to be an immigrant, I miss my life, family, and home, but now this is a new life. I am so lucky to be here in Canada because life is not in the past, it is here. I am at peace now.

I hope that in the next five years, I am in the university learning. I want to improve my skills and one day work at WEST. I want help other immigrants at WEST with my positive energy. I want to tell them that being immigrant is very hard, but we are human and strong. It is important to remember that if you want, you can. And if you can, you give back.

2. What does WEST mean to you?
Being new in Canada is hard. Looking for work is not easy. I can wash dishes or clean because I am available and I want, but I am unlucky. I apply at stores, hotels, but am told that I don’t have Canadian experience. I just want one chance. This is the story for all immigrants. Coming to a new country is very, very hard. But WEST has helped me improve my skills and help me make friends.

WEST is a very good organization for women. It helps us dream bigger. It pushes women and girls to new lives and futures. It helps us to not just stay at home and take care of the husband and children. I believe women have dreams too, and WEST helps us to follow them. It gives the support we need, and it reminds us that we are important. Being at WEST has helped me feel welcomed, it pushed me to a better future.

3. What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
Two months into living in Windsor, I checked in google and saw WEST. This is an organization for women for girls for free. I sent an email with my information because I want to improve my skills. I met Ms. Saba for the computer program and got a certificate. I have made friends like Paula, Maha, Mursal, and Anabella. I also did the EWE program, and it helped me with public speaking and I learned new things. Ms. Maha helped me a lot too. She got me ready for my driving test and I passed by G1. WEST makes me feel like I belong. It helps my mind be comfortable.

I was also invited to go to the IWD party and I enjoyed that very much. I felt so lucky being in a beautiful place with important people. I felt like I was flying. I am so lucky to have found WEST.

4. Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesson or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
One thing I’ve learned from my journey at WEST is to never give up, no matter how very hard things may seem. Being an immigrant is very hard, and the pressure is a lot. But you have to fight through it. You have to believe in yourself. I’m here now, living a better life, and it’s thanks to not giving up and continuing to try. You have to fight the stress and worry. You have to fight being scared. I fought and now I can enjoy my life. I still get scared, but I am now happy and excited for my future.

5. What empowers you?
What empowers me is my ability to keep going, even when life is hard. I’ve faced many challenges in Afghanistan, but now, I’m in Canada, and I feel safe. This feeling of safety and the opportunity to improve myself gives me hope and happiness. I also feel empowered by my family. I take care of my parents, and they push me to keep going for better. They are very supportive.

6. What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
My advice is to always believe in yourself and keep fighting. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I stand in front of the mirror and tell myself: “I want, I can. Canada is freedom. Canada is for all immigrants. If you can make it in Afghanistan, you can make it in Canada.” I tell myself, “I will continue. I will enjoy life. I will not stress.”

No matter how difficult life may seem, you have to keep going. The challenges are real, but if you believe in your ability to fight them, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.