Watch the video version of this conversation on our YouTube channel ►/ @flamebearers

Marzieh, the daughter of two Afghan parents, grew up as a refugee in Iran. "They treated us differently" she shares, which eventually led her family to move back home to Afghanistan. In her home country, Marzieh joined the Taekwondo national team and quickly climbed the ranks, where she remained until the 2021 Taliban takeover. That's when everything changed...

Women can no longer go to school, the gym, or even outside without a male chaperone. As Marzieh shares, "The Taliban told me not to come back to the gym and if I did, they would do what they wanted with me."

She had to flee the country and has since lived in France, where once again, she's a refugee. Despite settling into a new country, home is always on her mind; "I have to use my freedom to talk about Afghan women...Nobody will kill me here if I talk about the Taliban and the problems." So that's what she's doing. In today's episode, Marzieh shares what she wants the world to know about Afghan women (+ shares three asks below).

As Marzieh looks to the future, she's not going to sugar coat things. Right now, no she's not hopeful for the future of Afghan women, but she shares that "after the dark, always comes light."

Marzieh has three asks of you:

1. Write about Afghan women in your social media. Flame Bearers has graphics that you can share to support Marzieh and other Afghan women. DM us and we will share so you can post.

2. Donate to nonprofits working on the ground in Afghanistan. A few organizations to consider: World Food Program, International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children

3. If you're in a position to hire, employ or support a refugee in your community, do so.

Episodes drop every Wednesday at 5am Eastern Standard Time through the Paralympics.

Photo credit: Laura Sciacovelli

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Flame Bearers is the world's first media and production company specifically illuminating the unsung stories of resilient women Olympians & Paralympians. We tell stories via podcast, video, and live events and are working towards a world where people feel more represented, empowered, and enlightened about the power of community.

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