Roll On: The Plight Of Women In Afghanistan

Sep 16, 2021

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, brain health expert and co-founder of the Afghan Health Initiative, alongside her husband Dr. Dean Sherzai, former Deputy Minister of Health in Afghanistan, delve into the severe challenges faced by Afghan women under Taliban rule. They share insights on the healthcare landscape, women's empowerment, and the societal impacts of recent geopolitical changes. The couple emphasizes the resilience of Afghan women, advocating for education and community support as vital tools in the ongoing struggle for rights and dignity.

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ANECDOTE

Ayesha's Experience in Afghanistan

Ayesha Sherzai describes her experience in Afghanistan during the post-Taliban era.
She witnessed a rebirth of hope and freedom, especially for women, which is now tragically lost.

INSIGHT

Dean's Observations on Afghan People

Dean Sherzai recounts his three years in Afghanistan rebuilding the healthcare system.
He observed the Afghan people's incredible talent and resilience when given opportunities.

ANECDOTE

Healthcare as Empowerment

Dean Sherzai explains how they used healthcare as a tool for female empowerment in Taliban-controlled areas.
By training young girls as medics, they flipped the power dynamics and empowered women.

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It’s time to grapple with the human rights issues ensuing in Afghanistan.

To guide us in this important conversation are podcast alums Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai.

For those new to the show, ‘Roll On’ is typically our opportunity to shift focus from my traditional fare of evergreen conversations to instead hone in on matters of contemporaneous, time-sensitive interest.

Today we do just that, but with a twist, spending the entire episode grappling with the very grave plight faced by the 18 million women in Afghanistan in the wake of the United States departure. Breaking down the grip of Taliban rule, this is an exploration and round table discussion led by Team Sherzai.

Experts on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and neurodegenerative diseases, Drs. Sherzai have twice graced this show for deep dives on maintaining and optimizing cognitive function. But what most don’t know is that Dean & Ayesha have considerable experience with Afghanistan.

In 2003 Dean was appointed the Deputy Minister of Health by President Karzai, creating the most successful post-conflict healthcare system with women’s empowerment at its core. Ayesha founded the Social Welfare Society for Afghan Refugees in medical school, volunteered with Doctors Without Borders’ in Afghanistan during her medical training, and co-founded the Afghan Health Initiative in order to empower the Afghan diaspora with their own health.

My intention for this conversation is less political—we aren’t here to necessarily debate the political advisability of the U.S. withdrawal as much as the incomprehensibly botched manner in which we withdrew—and the downstream human rights implications of Afghan women in particular.

Other specific topics discussed include:

The history of women’s rights in Afghanistan;
using healthcare as a catalyst for women’s empowerment;
a breakdown of the imperative of the Taliban and how it functions;
the role that fear plays in female oppression;
what we can be done now to aid Afghan women; and
how to support celebrated female artists, scientists, politicians & leaders in Afghanistan.

To read more and listen click here. You can also watch on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

This is an important, pertinent, and heavy conversation. My heart goes out to those suffering. If possible, I highly encourage you to donate to programs like Restore Her Voice. Any amount can make a difference.

Peace + Plants,

Rich

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