WVU Women from Afghanistan exhibit

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Art in the Libraries and the Women’s Resource Center are recognizing WVU female Afghan students who escaped the tyranny of the Taliban through an exhibit today (March 8) in the Downtown Library.  

The display contrasts illustrations of Afghanistan, its culture, and Afghan women before and after the Taliban took power in 2021 and the regime removed girls and women from public life including schools, universities and work.  

The exhibit also depicts the true story of five Afghan women who fled Kabul, journeyed to West Virginia, became WVU students, and created a new life in the Mountain State. 

One of those students, Mahwara Azada who moved to Morgantown in 2022, created the exhibit with the support of Sally Brown, exhibits coordinator, and Leslie Tower, director of the Women’s Resource Center.

“We have begun a new life in a peaceful environment with plenty of opportunities and support from the people of West Virginia and the WVU community,” Azada said. “We started to gain new knowledge by taking classes at WVU, joining different student clubs, working in different positions, and trying new activities like exploring new places with family and friends." 

WVU Libraries and the Women’s Resource Center join all WVU voices in wishing a happy International Women’s Day to all brave women.

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