Somewhere between the church choir's robust welcoming and pleasantries exchanged at Friendship Hour following the closing sermon, the congregation focused their attention on a human rights struggle happening a world away.
Guest speaker Sally Armstrong — human rights activist, author and former editor-in-chief of Homemaker’s magazine — delivered a stirring speech to parishioners entitled ‘The Uncertain Fate of Afghanistan’s Women’ in support of her new book: Bitter Roots, Tender Shoots.
“We were thrilled when Sally agreed to speak today,” said Sheila Bjarnason, chair of the worship committee. “She is well known as a dynamic and inspirational speaker, and Sally says things most people know should be said but are afraid of saying. We hope those in attendance today will have an increased understanding of the current situation in Afghanistan”
And according to Armstrong, the current situation is grim.
“Afghan women have a saying, ‘I cannot talk because my mouth is full of water.’ What that means is ‘I cannot tell the truth or someone might get hurt.’ How is it we can turn our heads and excuse brutality in the name of culture?” Armstrong said.
“It’s not cultural, it’s criminal.”
Armstrong went on to describe the harsh world a typical Afghan woman endures, one of Taliban warlords, forced marriages, violence, fear and poverty in an era of a decades-old civil war that has resulted in, “not just buildings being broken, but minds that need mending.”
“Change has begun to happen inch by inch,” said church member Lorraine Waugh of Canadians in Support of Afghan Women (CSAW). “The Afghanistan government has re-opened some girls’ schools and in some areas, women can go to work and walk freely in public. But we’ve got a long way to go before we’re out of business.”
The CSAW, which was created after Waugh read an article written by Armstrong in 1997 about the plight of women living under Taliban rule, raises funds and awareness to assist women in Afghanistan.
Armstrong also spoke of the positive changes she’s witnessed over the last 10 years of covering the war-torn country, namely an increase in young Afghan girls getting an education, the success of women holding prominent positions and even being able to run for public office.
“I still hold a flickering hope for peace,” she said in the half-hour speech that ended with a standing ovation.
Joan Michnick was moved by Armstrong’s talk.
“Her message was in keeping with our church’s philosophy,” said Michnick, referring to the Unitarian Congregation’s celebration of diversity. “We’ve all got to do something to help each other.”
June Scott, a fellow church-goer, agreed.
“It seems hopeless, but I thought about her words of apathy and how dangerous that can be. We need to support these women.”
Armstrong’s Bitter Roots, Tender Shoots, a follow-up to her previously released book Veiled Threat: The Hidden Power of the Women of Afghanistan (2002), was available for sale after the sermon. Bozena Krzyzanowski took advantage of the book signing and shared a few words with the author, after she snagged an autograph.
“I’m very interested in Afghan women. What Sally said is exactly how I feel. It’s very important to make people aware of this issue.”
Armstrong will be the keynote speaker at St. John’s United Church in Oakville on Nov. 23 from 2-4 p.m.
