On June 01, 2023, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh participated as a speaker in a virtual event that was organized by the University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW) and attended by members of the group as well as scholars and human rights advocates from across Canada.

Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the current tragic situation of women and girls in Afghanistan and highlighted some key areas of joint advocacy and collaboration in support of women and girls in Afghanistan and abroad including here in Canada.

He described the Taliban’s repressive policies and practices against women as amounting to gender apartheid and persecution and highlighted the importance of adopting strong policy responses and taking effective collective actions in response to these and other types of human rights violations in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Soroosh spoke about the courageousness of Afghan women and girls who continue to lead the civil society resistance in the face of many unspeakable challenges. He stressed the importance of providing advocacy platforms and venues for Afghan women and girls as well as other support opportunities including learning, business, and job opportunities for women in Afghanistan and Afghan newcomer women in Canada.

Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratitude to the Government of Canada for all the ongoing humanitarian, advocacy and resettlement support for Afghanistan as well as to UWHAW and all friends of Afghanistan in Canada for their continued commitment and consistent engagement in support of Afghan women and girls.