Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada’s Commitment to Afghan Resettlement: A Focus on Empowering Women
March 11, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, ensuring their arrival is both swift and secure. To date, over 8,680 Afghan refugees have found a new home in Canada, with more arriving each week.
A Humanitarian Effort with a Focus on Women
Canada's special humanitarian program places a significant emphasis on resettling vulnerable Afghan nationals, particularly women leaders. As we celebrated International Women's Day 2022, the resilience and strength of Afghan women who have settled in Canada was notably recognized. These women not only support fellow newcomers but also continue the vital work of advocating for the rights of women and girls who remain in Afghanistan.
Creating Opportunities for Afghan Women
To facilitate the integration of Afghan women into Canadian society and enable them to leverage their skills and knowledge, numerous organizations and institutions have stepped forward with career opportunities:
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Carleton University, Ottawa: The School of Journalism and Communication has welcomed Farida Nekzad as a journalist-in-residence since December 2021. A prominent Afghan journalist and human rights defender, Nekzad has led the Centre for the Protection of Afghan Women Journalists since 2017. At Carleton, she enriches the academic community by sharing her expertise and conducting research on Afghan media, with a focus on women and freedom of expression.
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Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS): As a Resettlement Assistance Program service provider, CCIS has employed Sheila Qayumi as an interpreter and counselor. Formerly the manager for Equality for Peace and Democracy, Qayumi has been a staunch advocate for women's rights and peace in Afghanistan. Her efforts have bolstered women's networks across 20 Afghan provinces, ensuring their vital participation in the peace process.
Supporting Integration and Empowerment
Resettlement poses numerous challenges, particularly for women and girls. Recognizing this, Canada continues to work closely with trusted community-based partners to facilitate smooth integration into Canadian society. These efforts aim to empower Afghan women, helping them forge a meaningful and impactful presence in their new homeland.
For media use, photos of previous Afghan refugee arrivals are available in a Dropbox folder. Additionally, updates on Canada’s progress in welcoming Afghan refugees can be monitored here.
Canada remains dedicated to providing a safe haven for those fleeing conflict and persecution, reaffirming its role as a leader in global humanitarian efforts. Through empowering programs and community support, Afghan women are not only finding safety but also building new lives where their voices and contributions are valued.
