A Thousand Voices, A Thousand Acts, A Thousand Splendid Suns Event at the Embassy

A Thousand Voices, A Thousand Acts, A Thousand Splendid Suns Event at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Canberra

Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Human Rights Day, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Australia hosted a special event titled “A Thousand Voices, A Thousand Hopes, A Thousand Suns.”

The gathering formed part of a global campaign in solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, supported by people, civil society, cultural and academic institutions, and friends of Afghanistan. Its aim was to rally support for Afghan women, keep their voices alive, and reflect their resilience and hope amid ongoing restrictions and discrimination.

Alongside the event, the Embassy launched a symbolic campaign called “A Thousand Suns,” which collects messages of solidarity from people across Australia to Afghan women and girls — transforming them into symbols of light, equality, and hope. This initiative sends a clear message to the world: Afghan women deserve a life full of sunlight, freedom, and opportunity.

More than 500 people attended, including human rights defenders, academics, students, diplomats, political representatives, artists, and members of the Afghan–Australian community from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. Their presence reflected deep solidarity, shared responsibility, and love for Afghanistan.

The program on 29 November featured a series of cultural, artistic, and intellectual activities — including discussions on women’s rights and gender apartheid in Afghanistan, education and empowerment of Afghan women, the role of the Afghan diaspora, musical performances by Afghan and Australian artists, stage plays about Afghan cameleers and women’s struggles, handicraft displays, book presentations, and a short theatre performance.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wahidullah Waissi emphasized the crucial role of women in shaping Afghanistan’s future, the importance of unity among Afghans abroad, and the shared responsibility to uphold hope and human dignity.

He said:
“Since the Taliban’s return to power, both our state and our people have suffered deeply — through poverty, displacement, repression, and isolation. Yet amid this darkness, the greatest light of hope lies in the strength and presence of our people around the world. To rebuild Afghanistan, we must rise above divisions of ethnicity, language, and region, and unite with wisdom, compassion, and purpose.”

He added:
“Our homeland is now under the occupation of an ideology rooted in terror, ignorance, and totalitarianism. But millions of Afghans living in free societies have access to education and new opportunities — a gift that must become a force for peace, justice, and enlightenment. The future of Afghanistan will only be built through knowledge, awareness, and mutual respect — for no one else will rebuild this home for us.”

Ambassador Waissi presented certificates of appreciation to participants, speakers, and artists who contributed to the program. The event reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to universal human rights and the enduring cultural ties between the peoples of Afghanistan and Australia.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Embassy also launched a special film festival at the Australian National University, showcasing Afghan-produced films and documentaries that highlight the stories and courage of Afghan women.