Triumphant Afghans

The first few Afghan girls whom our Ottawa-CFUW's "study and interest group" (University Women Helping Afghan Women) helped and encouraged have just graduated from the Gawharshad Institute of Higher Education in Kabul, founded five years ago by the indomitable Dr. Sima Samar. Young Afghan women have to overcome what seemed like insuperable obstacles to get to this point––I have been reading Sally Armstrong's* Veiled Threat with horror––but, inspired by people like Dr. Simar, there will be more to follow.

UWHAW has just been sent this picture of the ten girls at their graduation ceremony, holding their certificates, and letters of congratulation from Ottawa. I have just posted it on UWHAW's Facebook page, but for the record I'd also like it to appear here:

Gawharshad has the highest percentage of female students in institutes of higher education in Afghanistan, and its classes are mixed. 

The hat throw! Both photos were sent to UWHAW by Farah Malik

* I heard today that Sally Armstrong has promised to come and meet UWHAW and friends at the group's garden party in June. That will be another occasion worth reporting.