International Night

and

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Guest speaker Mitra Shiva Hussaini.

The recent evacuee from Afghanistan escaped the Taliban regime settled in Coffs Harbour and recently moved to Sydney two months ago. She was a human and women’s rights activist back in her country and a former United Nations employee.

From refugee in Pakistan where society considered educating girls as a waste of money which caused her a very hard time while studying, along with losing her parents in horrific ways, to being a successful inspiration in many areas, Mitra believes that education is a key to success and a very strong weapon to defend yourself in a patriarchal society.

Amongst her many achievements, Mitra founded the Youths’ Green Movement Organisation where she organised conferences and workshops and provided special sessions for girls to motivate them to dream big and fight back against the patriarchal society to convert their dreams into reality.

Mitra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and a minor in Development Studies. She worked with the World Bank and United Nations Human Settlements Programme and, currently with the NSW state government.

All members and friends are warmly welcomed.

Regards

Sweta Gupta BPWS President

This important ceremony is held during a special BPW members and friends meeting. As we light the candles, we honour members past, present and future; honour each of the countries represented, and the accomplishments made through their dedication to our Mission. The act of lighting a candle serves as a physical reminder of their presence, illuminating the room and symbolizing the light they brought into our lives.