March 07, 2003

Afghanistan beyond the burka

First-hand accounts from the heart of the War on Terror will punctuate Soheir Stolba’s lecture "Women in Afghanistan after the Taliban" at noon, Wednesday, March 19 in the University Union Hinde Auditorium at California State University, Sacramento. The free event is part of the University’s recognition of Women's History Month.

Stolba, a medical anthropologist, recently visited Afghanistan to help develop women’s organizations to improve literacy, provide vocational training for widows and assist women in starting small businesses. While there, she witnessed the cruelty of the Taliban regime and the resilience of the Afghan women. She will share their stories of courage in the face of war, poverty and oppression.

Stolba is the co-director of the Fair Oaks-based SHARE Institute, which works with local and global partner organizations to improve the health and well-being of women and families. She has 28 years of experience in maternal health, family planning and reproductive health consulting and has worked in several Middle-Eastern, African and Asian countries.

Additional information is available by contacting the Women’s Resource Center at (916) 278-7388. Media assistance is available by contacting the CSUS public affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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