Anglesea comes together over soup and stories for Afghanistan

MORE than 100 people came together in Anglesea at the weekend for a literary event that raised $6,000 to support education and employment programs for women and girls in Afghanistan.

The sold-out “Stories, Soup and Sourdough Literary Lunch”, hosted by Aireys Inlet Rural Australians for Refugees (AIRAR) at the Anglesea Bowling Club on Sunday, combined a shared meal with thought-provoking conversation from some of Australia’s leading writers.

Author Kate Mildenhall, whose 2023 speculative fiction novel The Hummingbird Effect was praised for its boldness, facilitated a discussion between fellow writers Lucy Treloar, Alli Parker and Clare Strahan, who each shared insights into their craft, the impact books have on the lives of readers and finding creativity in difficult times.

AIRAR’s Rosita Vila said the discussion between the authors stressed the need for authenticity, the significance of community and the importance of finding the truth in history.

“They shared moments in their own education that supported their journeys in becoming writers. Education was said to give you something that sits in your heart and lets you grow.”

All the funds raised from the event will support Women for Change, an Australian-based not-for-profit organisation that provides educational programs to young girls and economic opportunities to widowed and disabled women in Afghanistan.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear directly from the organisation’s Hamida Samar, who shared how sponsorship had enabled her to leave Afghanistan and establish a new life in Australia, and highlighted the ongoing need to understand the conditions faced by women and girls under Taliban rule in her homeland.

“Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan since 2021, there has been a ban on education for girls beyond primary school,” Ms Vila said.

“Women for Change is one of a number of local and diaspora-led organisations delivering community-based and secret online education to Afghan girls.

“Teaching is flexible and must adapt to the risk of Taliban raids and other threats. For the young women who are forced to learn in secret, resources such as digital devices and reliable internet connections need to be provided.”

To learn more, or support the work of Women for Change, including through donations, visit womenforchange.com.au