Welaus

On August 19, 2022, all the historic bridges of Brisbane city were lit up with the Afghan tricolor flag to show the world that our black, red, and green flag still exists. Afghans and other residents of the city of Brisbane were invited to visit the above sights with their families and celebrate by taking photos and selfies at night. Special thanks to the Lord Mayor, WEL, and AACCI for their direct involvement in this area. 

Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL) association founder and director Ms. Rita Anwari Sultani and State Member for Toohey, Mr. Peter Russo MP – Toohey Peace for Asia had the privilege of hosting the ‘Acknowledging Queensland’s new Afghan Resident’ event in at the Parliament House on 18 August 2022. This event was Moderated by Mahsa Nabizada, Presenter at the local ABC Radio. The event started with the acknowledgment of the country, following which the co-hosts Mr. Peter Russo and Ms. Rita Anwari gave their keynote speeches. Paying tribute to the Australian men and women in uniform who lost their lives and were wounded while serving in Afghanistan, Ms. Rita Anwari acknowledged the sacrifices made in the past year since the collapse of the government in Afghanistan. She narrated stories from the first days of the collapse and events that followed. Explaining the low points in her emotional journey to the high points where vulnerable women and children were saved from the crisis were the highlights of her speech. She concluded by acknowledging the significant role the Australian authorities, particularly the office of Senator Paul Scarr, Peter Russo MP, Lord Mayor Adrain Schrinner, Lance McCallum MP, Shayne Neumann, and Jason Scanes played in the past twelve months in the provision of humanitarian support to those in danger in Afghanistan and those who fled Afghanistan and settled in Australia. Mr. Peter Russo MP emphasized on the collaborative approach and the moral responsibility all human beings have for each other. He explained the history of the Parliament House and its role in the provision of timely assistance to those in crisis. He also welcomed the participants to the event and concluded by paying tribute to those Australian men and women of uniform who lost their lives or were wounded on duty.Following the opening speeches, Mr. Paul Scarr, Senator for Queensland, Mr. Lance McCallum, State Member for Bundamba, and Jason Scanes, Founder of the Forsaken Fighters Australia gave their respective speeches. Acknowledging that the newly arrived Afghan Residents in Queensland faced tremendous challenges while being in Afghanistan during the collapse and the events following that, they are now in a safe place and can take part in making a better community in Queensland. The speakers also elaborated on the importance of collaboration during the time of crisis and on the morale responsibility, each and every member of the team felt while working hard to provide assistance to the most vulnerable groups. The current situation in Afghanistan has also highlighted as well as the need for humanitarian support and assistance to prevent millions of people from hunger and poverty. The speakers acknowledged how important the Australian mission was during the past 20 years, and the role the locally engaged personnel played in making this mission successful. The speakers also reiterated that that locally engaged personnel assisted the Australian forces to complete their mission and it was now time for Australia to assist them in saving their lives. The speakers concluded by ensuring their commitment to continue supporting those in need of humanitarian assistance.The event was closed following a panel discussion where all the previous speakers attended and responded to a few specific questions to review the assistance provided in the past twelve months and how it can improve in the future. Once again, the organizers and speakers welcomed Queensland’s new residents from Afghanistan to make this new environment their home and reiterated Australia’s commitment to making their settlement conveince.

International Women’s Day and Launch of “The Dark Future” Short Movie Women Empowerment and Leadership (WEL) association, hosted the International Women’s Day on March 27, 2022, and launched the Short Movie titled “The Dark Future.”  Acknowledging the original owners of the land, Dr. Rita Anwari, founder, and president of WEL, welcomed the participants to the event and read her opening keynote. She emphasized on the role of Women in the community, the importance of celebrating the International Women’s Day. She reiterated the situation that Afghan women are facing in Afghanistan, and how they are deprived of their basic rights. She further introduced the guest speakers of the event and requested for the close attention of the participants to the keynotes of the guest speakers and the short move which will be launched during the event. Following the welcome keynote by Dr. Anwari, a comprehensive presentation was given to narrate the current situation of Afghan Women in Afghanistan, following which the Afghan Women appealed to the international community to not recognise the administration in Afghanistan. Honourable Senator Paul Scarr, who were not able to participate in the event due to a prior commitment. His office representative read out his keynote on the International Women’s Day. Congratulation on the launch of the movie The Dark Future. It is important that your story is told so that the people of Afghanistan under the regime of the Taliban are not forgotten by the world. Especially the people who recently arrived from Afghanistan, please know that you have the support and encouragement of the Australian people. My thoughts and heart is still with those who have loved ones who are still in Afghanistan.  Following the message of the Honourable Senator Paul Scarr, the short move “The Dark Future” was broadcasted for all the participants to watch.  Dr. Annette Hurly, Professional and Executive Recruiter at the Acorn Group delivered her message on the importance of having rights for the women. She emphasized on the equal opportunities Australia has provided to all the women exclusive from their background, race, ethnicity, religion, and language. She highlighted the multiculturalism in Australian communities which provides equal opportunities and improves coexistence in the community. Following the keynote speeches by the guest speakers, Women Empowerment and Leadership presented presents and gifts to the guest speakers and a few participants on the event for their extraordinary role in successful completion of the event and on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.