Two Afghan women talk about other women who inspire them on the occasion of the International Women’s Day

Copyright SolidarityNow

International Women’s Day | March 8th, 2022

Two women from Afghanistan, beneficiaries of SolidarityNow at its “Integration Learning Center” in Ioannina which operates under the HELIOS* program, speak about other women who inspire them.

What do they admire to them? Which of their characteristics do they identify with?

Leila: “I really admire Malala**. Education is everyone’s human right. How much strength and patience someone needs to fight for the education of older and younger children..! That’s why I also continue my Greek language courses. I want my children and I to grow through education following the path set by Malala”.

Leila is 35 years old. She wants to learn the Greek language very well and become a beautician. She wants to find a job to support her family.

Fatima: “Malala is a great role model. But I was also moved by Sappho***, especially when I heard that some of her poems are related to freedom. Freedom…. How important! I too like to write and through writing to express my thoughts and feelings. That is why I try out of the opportunity given to me with the Greek language courses to find out about people of art”.

Fatima is 48 years old. She wants to live in Greece with her family and for her children she wants to finish their school and go to the university. She is learning Greek to be able to work as a seamstress, as she did in Afghanistan.

*SolidarityNow is a key implementing partner of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece), in the framework of the HELIOS project which is funded through the co-financed part of the Public Investment Programme of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**Malala Yousafsai:

Pakistani activist. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, known for defending human rights and educating women and children. Her capacity and persistence in defending the fundamental right of education, moved the students of the program.


The most important and lyrical poetess from the Greek island of Lesvos, especially known from antiquity till today for her exceptional poetic work. She wrote poems about women and girls who worshiped Aphrodite as she did. Through them she prepared girls for the great milestones of female nature: adolescence, marriage, childbirth. Among other things, her poetry is directed against tyrannical regimes, praising freedom.