Talk No 1: Maryam Rahmani, Womankind Worldwide, London

Title: The empowerment of Afghan women

What does it mean to migrate, especially when this migration is enforced, as was the case for those who were airlifted out of Afghanistan in August 2021. What rights are gained and what may be lost? What challenges are faced by women in particular when they find themselves in a new country and a new culture, and how are they responding to these challenges? Maryam will describe some of the measures that are being taken across borders to ensure the empowerment of Afghan women, wherever and whoever they may be.

Maryam is working with Womankind Worldwide – a UK based organization working for women empowerment as Advisor/Advocate: Afghanistan.  Through this position she contributes to develop strong and resilient relationships with leaders and core staff members of Womankind partners and other women’s rights organisations in Afghanistan (and potentially third countries) in support of Womankind’s unique partnership model. She is leading Afghanistan programme and partnerships strategy development and design with partners and colleagues including scope for funding bids to co-create projects and initiatives. She is also involved in advocacy and policy influencing including UK Government and to closely liaise and coordinate with the Secretariat of Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) UK on matters related to Afghanistan.

Talk No 2: Mir Abdullah Miri

Title: Safety and Belonging in Education for Afghan Refugee Children

Is enrolment the same as inclusion? Who helps roots of welcome grow? Can a warm meal make a cold school feel kinder? Who speaks for families when systems fall silent? In this presentation, Mir shares stories from six Afghan refugee families as their children begin school in England. Through interviews, drawings and child-led storytelling, he explores how safety and belonging are built not by policies alone, but through small, everyday moments. Guided by Miri’s (2024) relational justice model, Mir argues that schools must lead with empathy, recognition and ethical care because real inclusion begins with human connection.

Dr Mir Abdullah Miri is a Lecturer and PhD researcher at the University of Bath. His work focuses on refugee education, TESOL and education in crisis contexts, especially in Afghanistan. Mir brings together research and real-world experience, having also worked with organisations like the World Bank and the British Council. Mir cares deeply about inclusive education and supports refugee learners through both practical work and policy efforts.

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