'Education is power': Afghan refugee, women's rights activist, shares her story with Milwaukee students

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- An Afghan refugee is continuing to share her story of resilience as a fierce feminist activist.

After changing the lives of thousands of women in Afghanistan, Maryam Durani is now helping refugees in Wisconsin, her new home.

Durani's passion is education. She overcame adversity in her home country, earning university degrees in law, political science and business.

Durani brought those opportunities to other women in Afghanistan, while dodging multiple Taliban assassination attempts in the process.

She created a women's association and advocacy network in the Kandahar province that included a women's library, school, fitness center and radio station.

"I worked for twenty years hard, but I have something stay behind me for other, new generations. I've changed something in my country," Durani told CBS 58 on Wednesday. "My people now understand, education is power."

Her work has been internationally recognized.

In 2012, Durani was awarded as an International Woman of Courage at a ceremony hosted by Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.

That same year, she was named one of the '100 Most Influential People' in Time Magazine.

Today, Durani lives in Milwaukee as a refugee.

Her family was forced to flee the Taliban last year, when Kabul fell.

"I miss my country. I miss my people. I miss my work," Durani said.

While leaving was difficult, her family found comfort in Wisconsin.

"We are lucky, because we're coming to this state with good people and kind people," Durani said.

On Wednesday, Durani shared her story to students at the University School of Milwaukee, beside journalist, author and fellow refugee, Atia Abawi.

"The Afghan women of the last twenty years who helped rebuild Afghanistan after devastating war are some of the strongest, most amazing women that I've ever met, and Maryam is one of those people," Abawi told CBS 58.

Maryam Durani now helps refugees in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin, connecting them to resources they need.

"Different culture and different languages, it's very hard. You find the which way you can help that family," Durani said.

Despite the heartbreak of leaving her home, Durani is empowering refugees in Milwaukee with her continued message of freedom.

"I'm learning. I'm learning for each day, and now I'm very strong. Now I can help other people," Durani told CBS 58.

She is using her story to inspire younger generations, like the students at USM.

"So when they do see refugees out there, because they're going to be seeing them throughout Milwaukee and Wisconsin and throughout the country, that they give a helping hand, or at least a friendly smile," Abawi said.

Durani told CBS 58 the purpose of sharing her story is to keep hope alive.

"Life is a fight. You learn to stay a good fighter, for better equality, to make a better life for yourself or for other people," Durani said.