“Olivia from

Afghanistan"

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“All of a sudden, everything

changed.”

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Olivia's life in Afghanistan was one of purpose and fulfilment. She worked as a university lecturer in Kabul, actively advocating for women’s rights as a member of the Women’s Council, and cherished the community she had built over many years. However, on August 15, 2021, everything changed when the Taliban took over; “All of a sudden, everything changed. I felt my life was in danger.”

Reflecting on her childhood, Olivia recalls having to live in Iran where she faced significant discrimination as a migrant. Her recent journey to safety was anything but straightforward. After leaving Afghanistan, she traveled to Italy in 2021 to pursue further education, eventually reaching the UK in February 2024. Upon arriving in the UK, Olivia found herself grappling with an entirely new set of challenges. Though grateful for her refugee status and the opportunity to continue her career, she found it difficult to adjust to the cultural and professional differences, admitting that she doesn’t “have the confidence to work in the UK as she did in her own country”.

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Currently, Olivia volunteers with SRS. One of her most cherished memories with SRS is the moment she was able to help another refugee woman by sharing information about available legal support; “She was so happy about the information and she thanked me and I felt that even though I am a refugee, I could still help.” As she builds her life in the UK, Olivia is focusing on empowering herself and others; her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD, building on her master’s thesis which focused on women’s activism.

Though the Taliban’s resurgence “shattered many of her hopes and plans”, Olivia remains resolute. Through her determination and advocacy, Olivia is paving the way for herself and others to rebuild their lives and thrive in a new community.