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Symposium 2023

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You’re invited to Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan’s 2023 Annual Symposium in Montréal, Québec!

Celebrating our 25th year in operation, we invite you to join CW4WAfghan staff, volunteers, Afghan human rights defenders, partners, and dignitaries as we gather for our Annual Symposium at McGill University.

Registration is now available!

Saturday, October 14, 2023

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST

McGill University

 Symposium Highlights

  • Keynote presentations from Sara Wahedi, Technologist and Human Rights Activist, and Nila Ibrahimi, 16-year-old Activist
  • Remarks by Heather Barr, Human Rights Watch Global Secretariat
  • Panel Discussion: Forging Alternatives: How to Mobilize Canadian Higher Education Institutions in Support of Afghan Women, with featured guests Xavier Prudent, Chief Technology Officer (Civilia Inc.), Dr. Gavin Brockett, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Hally Siddons, UWHAW
  • Panel Discussion:  Pursuing Justice Through the International Criminalization of Gender Apartheid with featured panelists Nazila Jamshidi, Author and Gender & Human Rights Specialist, Shogofa Danish, Digital Broadcast Journalist, Global News, and Fatema Kohistani, Country Coordinator for Women’s Regional Network
  • Program updates from CW4WAfghan Senior Director, Murwarid Ziayee
  • Art exhibit prepared by girls in Afghanistan
  • Afghan marketplace and film screening
  • More speakers and featured guests yet to come!

To RSVP and secure your spot at the symposium, please register today.

 

If you are a chapter volunteer, please email community@cw4wafghan.ca to receive the Chapter Registration Form with invitations to chapter-specific events.

As part of the 2023 symposium, CW4WAfghan will also be hosting a special Youth Advocacy Workshop together with Afghans for Progressive Thinking. If you are a youth passionate about human rights, or to learn more about this exciting initiative, please email advocacy@cw4wafghan.ca

CW4WAfghan is a totally unique community, and nowhere is that more on display than during the annual symposium. This is so much more than a conference. It's the well where we draw our inspiration from to work as hard as we do for the women and girls of Afghanistan.

- Murwarid Ziayee (Senior Director, CW4WAfghan)

2023 Agenda

Keynote Presentation . Artwork Exhibit by Afghan Students . Panel Discussions. Champion for Education Awards . Marketplace. Afghan Film Screening .

What is the Symposium?

Each year over 100 members, supporters, chapter representatives, board members, staff, volunteers, partners, dignitaries, and members of the public come together to discuss key issues affecting Afghanistan and discuss solutions for tangible change.

This symposium is the ultimate forum to celebrate our collective achievements, discuss current challenges, and chart the path forward.

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome to register and attend.

Whether you are new to our organization, a seasoned volunteer, supporter, donor, Afghan-Canadian newcomer, or all of the above, you are welcome to be part of the symposium. 

Your presence, passion, and commitment are what drive positive change for Afghan women and girls.

Why should I join?

The Symposium is a valuable educational, change making, and networking forum in Canada to connect and get to the heart of advocacy and action for the rights of Afghan women and girls. By coming together to affirm commitment to Afghan women and girls and their right to education, be part of the momentum of change we are building.

We look forward to seeing you in Montréal!

For those interested in sponsoring the symposium and contributing to our mission, we invite you to get in touch with our Fund Development team at funddevelopment@cw4wafghan.ca. Your sponsorship will not only showcase your commitment to women’s rights and education but will also enable us to create a lasting impact on the lives of Afghan women and girls.

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