Wingspan Gala brings together Afghan women: They have the strength inside – Saskatoon [Video]

The 30 Birds Foundation on Saturday brought together 150 Afghan women and girls across Canada who have fled Afghanistan and resettled here as refugees.

“These are women who, had the Taliban not taken their country, would’ve been Afghanistan’s next doctors, lawyers, CEOs and politicians. But they’re starting over from scratch here in Canada,” said Justin Hefter, the foundation’s executive director.

The Wingspan Gala, held at the Delta Bessborough hotel in Saskatoon, sought to build community through leadership and public speaking workshops to accelerate the women’s leadership journeys in Canada.

“A weekend like this is supposed to be inspiring, uplifting, to make all of our participants feel grateful for what they have, to remember that they have the strength inside them to really do incredible things,” Hefter said.

Some shared their stories of escape and how Canada has become a beacon of hope for their future.

“With the situation in Afghanistan, …