Zahra: ‘I believe my voice can help make change happen’ 

Zahra is a TV news journalist and women’s rights activist from Afghanistan. She was evacuated from Kabul with her children during August 2021. Zahra was recruited for the 2023 Refugee Week Ambassador Programme.

Since being resettled in the UK, Zahra has volunteered with the Refugee Council focusing on social media and been working on a freelance basis with the BBC’s Middle East desk. She is keen to continue her studies in the UK and resume her career as a journalist. 

Speaking about her experience on the IMIX Refugee Week Ambassador programme Zahra said, “It was an amazing experience and had a positive impact. It helped me gain self-confidence, especially since English is my second language and I was new to the UK. Being a Refugee Week Ambassador also helped me connect with other people and form strong bonds with other ambassadors. We came up with ideas to advocate for refugees. I remember the workshop day we had and the interviews we filmed – it was all truly amazing. 

“When I shared on LinkedIn that I was a Refugee Week Ambassador and available to attend events and speak on behalf of other Afghan women and refugees, I received many good messages and comments about being a refugee and Refugee Week Ambassador, and the opportunities that IMIX provides for people like me. I also received some good messages suggesting that IMIX should improve these kinds of activities for refugees, so that they can raise their voices and get more opportunities.”

As well as appearing on IMIX and Refugee Week digital channels during the festival, Zahra was also invited to speak on a panel with UNHCR at the Barbican special screening of The Swimmers alongside the film’s director. She was also interviewed live on Times Radio by Fi Glover and Jane Garvey. The IMIX team helped her to prepare for this events and supported her through them. On World Refugee Day, Zahra and her family were shown in a powerful film in collaboration with International Rescue Commitee which was displayed on the screens at Picadilly Circus in London as well as profiled across their social media. 

Zahra said: “I have attended many media interviews, podcasts and have also created social media content campaigns. I have also worked with refugee companies and organisations supporting refugees. I believe policymakers can bring about significant change in every country and we can collaborate with parliament members and other politicians to raise awareness about refugee situations and change policies in the UK or other countries.”