Afghan women’s lives should be full of sunlight. Playing in the sunshine with friends. Walking in the park or to school in the morning sun’s rays. Sketching, writing, and photographing a beautiful sunset. Picnicking, gardening, or even reading outside, Afghan women deserve the happiness, peace and serenity that an afternoon in the sun provides us all. But, in 2025, Afghan women have been systematically deprived of the sunlight - forced to cover their whole bodies including their faces and pressured to spend their entire lives indoors. This oppressive state they live in means that many are also seeing their inner sunlight dim.

Every year, the international community marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to call for an end to violence and discrimination against women and girls. In Afghanistan, the return of the Taliban has erased fundamental freedoms for women, while in Australia, solidarity with Afghan women continues to grow.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan invites you to enjoy a summer sunset at the embassy in Canberra. Inspired by the novel ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Afghan author Khaled Hosseini, we want to host friends, advocates, activists, and public to mark together the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with our actions, dialogues, and performance.

The “A Thousand Voices, A Thousand Acts, A Thousand Splendid Suns” program will include the following activities: 

• Poetry and Spoken Word – Inspiring verses by Afghan and Australian poets celebrating freedom, resilience, and hope.
• Music and Theatre – A short stage performance “The Sun Still Rises” followed by live music from Australian and Afghan vocalists.
• Book Conversations – Thought-provoking talks with authors Farkhunda Akbary (“One Woman’s Word”) and Durkhanai Ayubi (“Parwana: Food, Memory, and Resistance”).
• Panel Discussions – Three dynamic discussions exploring: Education & Empowerment, Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan, Australia’s Role in Supporting Afghan Women and Girls
• Chorus of Women Performance – A powerful choral piece “Echoes of the Silenced” dedicated to Afghan girls denied education.
• Solidarity Award & Charity Auction – Presentation of the A Thousand Suns Solidarity Award and a fundraising auction in support of girls’ education initiatives.
• Group Photo & Networking – Join speakers, performers, and guests for a group photo and informal networking over light refreshments.
• Food Experience – Enjoy the authentic taste of Afghanistan, featuring Mantu, Qabli Palaw, and Kebab.
• Art Exhibition – Display of artwork created by girl students from Afghanistan’s underground schools.
• Embroidery Exhibition – Showcase of exquisite embroidery pieces handcrafted by women in Afghanistan.
• Marketplace – Explore Afghan clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, and handmade cultural artefacts.
• Book Exhibition – Browse a collection of books on Afghanistan, women’s stories, and cultural heritage.

Note: All details are subject to change or revision, depending on weather conditions.

You are welcome to bring your own chairs and picnic mats for comfortable outdoor seating during the event. 

Event Details:
Open to: Afghan and Australian community members, families, and friends of Afghanistan
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
4 Beale Crescent, Deakin ACT 2600
For inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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