Like many of you, I have been consumed by thoughts of the disturbing human rights situation currently unfolding in Afghanistan.  I have read many stories of professional women—attorneys, judges, journalists, women’s rights advocates, and other professionals—who are now at risk of being killed, tortured, or imprisoned.  There are approximately 270 women judges in Afghanistan, many of whom are now in the process of burning records of their decades-long careers in order to avoid imprisonment or death.¹ 

Although our government is far from perfect, I am eternally grateful for the freedom to pursue my career of choice, to speak up about inequality without fear of persecution, and advocate for the rights of women.  It is also a stark reminder that our rights and freedoms are not guaranteed.  As we work to end pay inequity and gender discrimination—issues that are still alive and well—I want to emphasize that Lawyers Club is not just a force, but a vital one, in our community, ensuring that women will continue to have a voice and so that the freedoms we have previously worked so hard for remain.

This week, Lawyers Club sent letters to our leaders in Congress, imploring them to take action to support and protect the Afghan people, and in particular Afghan women working to advance democracy and human rights.

¹www.cbc.ca/news/world/afghan-women-judges-fear-execution-1.6143010