For female judges who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, and who once strived for equality for women, the University of Calgary offered the support they now need to lead the way here in Canada.
When Muzhgan Muradi and Bahira Sadaat Haidari chose careers in law, they did so with the purpose of advancing women's opportunities and rights in Afghanistan. Both rose to prominent positions as judges, roles that were exceedingly difficult to enter, particularly for women.
Muzhgan Muradi, left, and Bahira Sadaat Hairdari Marnie Burkhart, Photo Jazhart Studios
Muradi worked in military and civil law, including elimination of violence against women, and Haidari worked across terrorism, criminal and civil courts.
"When I grew up in my society, I recognized that there wasn't any female judge in my province," Muradi recalls. "I thought maybe I could be the first woman to stand there and fill that empty place."
For Haidari, being an agent of change motivated her career choice: "My family and I saw a lot of injustice. I decided to study hard and pass the national entrance test. I wanted to promote justice and inform law in my society, and I hoped to make a difference."
However, careers along with many other rights and freedoms were stripped away from women when the Taliban captured the capital city, Kabul, in 2021. After Kabul fell, 270 women judges became targets and were forced to flee their country and the life they knew. Muradi spent 45 days in hiding with her family, including her two young twin daughters, before a network of international allies helped her escape. "My family and I were under threat, prisoners were released from jail, and I lost my career, my job, and my home," she says.
Leaning on a professional support network
Through a supportive network, many of the women found their way to Canada through help from the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and its Canadian Chapter (CCIAWJ). In Calgary, support has been provided by CCIAWJ, the community, and initiatives like The Displaced Legal Scholars Fund at the University of Calgary. These networks have been working towards helping the judges re-establish their careers and build a new life in Calgary.
As a member of the CCIAWJ Board and its Afghan Women Judges Support Committee, Justice Jo'Anne Strekaf of the Alberta Court of Appeal has been involved with connecting the judges to opportunities and support within the Calgary community.
"It has been a privilege for the CCIAWJ to have helped support the 37 Afghan women judges and their families who have relocated to Canada following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. I have had the opportunity to get to know the seven judges and their families who have settled in Calgary," says Strekaf. "These women have inspired us all with their grace, courage, hard work and initiative as they face the challenge of re-establishing their careers and families in a new country."
With her spouse and children, Haidari left everything behind to rebuild a life in Canada, arriving in July 2022. Starting over was disorienting, not just emotionally, but practically. She was up against language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and the loss of a professional identity.
"When I came to Canada, everything was new the environment, the culture, the language, even daily routines. It was challenging." Haidari reflects. "What surprised me was how kind people were Canadian women judges, government programs, and community members. They welcomed me and my kids."
Creating opportunity through education
Like Haidari, many of the judges arrived in Alberta with limited English skills and faced a difficult system to navigate for rebuilding their legal careers. Through collaboration between the CCIAWJ, UCalgary's Faculty of Law and Continuing Education, they were connected to the Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) offered by the university's English Language Program.
This joint effort has created a greater impact, says UCalgary Law Dean Laura Spitz. "By partnering with programs, such as ACC, that help scholars enhance language skills and transition into Canadian legal education, we hope to reduce barriers, co-create meaningful opportunities, and recognize the valuable skills and experience these individuals bring to the Canadian legal system," says Spitz.
The ACC program became a bridge, not just linguistically, but emotionally and professionally. "The program helped me improve my confidence and English academically with writing skills, research, citation, note-taking. It also helped me understand what the University of Calgary expects from students," says Muradi.
Shared gratitude for a bright future
For Haidari, improving her English is essential to succeeding in her law career in Canada, especially because of the importance of language to the profession. "Language is the key that unlocks opportunities," she says.
Both women envision careers that merge their prior legal expertise with new experiences of advocacy, community building and mentorship. Despite loss, they speak with gratitude for the community they've found.
"Being part of this community gave me hope," Muradi says. "It showed me that support, solidarity, and shared purpose can truly change lives."
Adds Haidari: "Canada gave me safety, support, and opportunities to learn. It means a lot to me. It reminds me that whatever you lost, you can rebuild again."
