Women Uninterrupted: Conversations that Empower
Podcast Overview
Women Uninterrupted is an engaging podcast series by The Hindu, presenting inter-generational dialogues among women. In its sixth season, the podcast delves into the experiences of women making a difference in the social sector.
Episode Spotlight: Empowering Refugee Women
In the third episode of Season 6, the spotlight is on Tahmara Thomas, a young Indian-Australian co-founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young women from refugee backgrounds to become future leaders.
Meet the Host and Guest
- Host: Anna Thomas
- Guest: Tahmara (Thomas) Toneyson
- Production: Anna Thomas in collaboration with The Scribbling Pad
Featured Interview: Nooria Ahmadi’s Journey
In a poignant email interview, Nooria Ahmadi, an 18-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, shares her experiences after leaving her homeland in August 2021, following the Taliban’s takeover. Now in Australia, she expresses her gratitude for this new beginning.
Nooria recounts her initial involvement with the HerVillage Foundation, where she learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and leadership among peers from diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes her belief that anyone can lead their life and aspirations.
The Joy of Equality in Australia
Nooria reflects on the most significant aspect of her new home: the theme of equality between men and women, contrasting sharply with her experiences in Afghanistan where women’s roles are often suppressed. She feels uplifted by the respect accorded to all individuals, regardless of gender.
Fears and Challenges Faced
Transitioning to a new environment brought its own challenges for Nooria, who struggled with the fear of establishing her independence while managing the impacts of PTSD from her traumatic past. She worries about mismanaging her time and failing to express gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her in Australia.
Host Anna Thomas and Guest Tahmara Thomas
Introduction to the Episode
Hosted by Anna Thomas, this episode invites listeners into a conversation emphasizing women’s empowerment and human rights. Guest Tahmara Thomas, a law and psychology student, shares her journey from a young co-founder of a non-profit at 16 to becoming a vocal advocate for refugee women in Australia.
Tahmara’s Motivation and Experiences
Tahmara discusses her awareness of privilege and how it has motivated her to empower others through initiatives like the HerVillage Foundation, particularly in the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan. Shocking stories of Afghan women, particularly athletes who faced persecution, propelled her to act and help in any way she could.
In 2021, Tahmara initiated The Village Championship, a sports event that brings together Afghan refugee girls and Australian girls to nurture leadership, teamwork, and community spirit.
The Village Championship: A Community Initiative
The Village Championship spans three days, featuring leadership activities, football clinics, and friendly matches to foster connections and friendships among girls from different backgrounds. Participants engage in programs designed to break the ice and build confidence, with essential gear provided to ensure inclusivity.
Imagining Life in India
When prompted about her potential life in India without her grandparents’ migration to Australia, Tahmara reflects on how her passion for social work would remain, albeit directed differently. She emphasizes the universal challenges faced by young women, noting the specific stressors that accompany womanhood, regardless of geography.
Impact of Refugee Stories
Tahmara describes her interactions with Afghan refugee girls as both heartbreaking and inspiring, revealing their resilience and eagerness to embrace new opportunities despite their challenges. These young women often face significant obstacles, navigating a new culture and language alone without familial support.
Future Aspirations for HerVillage
Looking ahead, Tahmara hopes to expand the HerVillage Foundation’s impact by strengthening partnerships and enhancing their service offerings. Her ambition includes pursuing a career in social impact consulting to bridge the gap between non-profit work and corporate practices, emphasizing collaboration for a greater societal impact.
Conclusion
Through initiatives like Women Uninterrupted, the voices of young women like Nooria and Tahmara shine a light on the importance of empowerment, resilience, and the shared human experience. Their narratives reflect the ongoing journey towards equality and the vital role of community in fostering leadership among women everywhere.
