I am Nilu, an immigrant woman from Afghanistan.

How long have you been living in this area? (Greater Seattle) Please share with us about your journey coming here. I moved here in 2016 so it is four years that I live here. Back in Afghanistan, I was a family counselor and involved in a number of women-empowering programs in my society. As a social activist trying to empower women rights in a close society like Afghanistan, it was not safe for me and I decided to immigrate.

As you know, we are doing a feature series about resilient women. What type of challenges in your life contributed to you becoming a resilient woman? I was working as a social worker and ran a series of TV and radio programs focusing on domestic violence against women in Afghanistan. In a patriarchic society like Afghanistan, providing advocacy to women who are the victim of domestic violence was a challenging job and I was threatened several times. I was even criticized by angry men during a live TV program I had in support of married women beaten up by their husbands but I did not give up as I believe the resilience of women is a need, if they want to get their God-given rights.

What do you love most about Mother Africa? What motivates you to be a part of Mother Africa events and activities? What I love about Mother Africa is the women-centered activities in which refugee/immigrant women are motivated to stay tall and find their success-path in American society without disregarding their culture or belief.

What is your hope for the future of Mother Africa, yourself and your fellow resilient women?

I've been working in Mother Africa as a Best4Babies Support Sister for new moms in my community for 3 months now, and I see how receptive my Dari-speaking community is for such social-empowering programs. I hope Mother Africa continues the good work they have been doing!

For my fellow resilient women, I hope they raise the bar and keep moving disregarding the challenges of new life-style her as “where there is a will, there is a way.” I hope to continue working with Mother Africa and contribute the successful journey they have for women.

Interview conducted by Mother Africa staff member Shekiba Khoram