
In Fall 2019, the Spark of Hope Foundation, working closely with McGill University, helped Safia Amiry from Afghanistan move from the United States to Montreal. Safia completed her Master’s degree in international development at Ohio University on a Fulbright Scholarship, and her dream was to pursue a PhD. She was admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies program (full time) in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE) at McGill University.
She said: “This scholarship will allow me to take my education to the next level and be a change agent to the communities around me. I would especially like to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality in the societies perpetuating male domination and patriarchy. I would specifically like to focus on Afghanistan as the role of women has been severely undermined over the last three decades. Women continue to struggle for fundamental human rights in their daily lives. As a change-maker, I hope to support Afghan women and other disadvantaged women who desire a better and more equitable future.”
We wish Safia every success with her demanding studies, and look forward to when she can move the needle on women’s rights in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
Top photo: McGill University
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Doug has many years of senior business and financial management experience across a diverse range of industries and size of businesses. During his career, Doug has also worked as a consultant to several start-up companies. Currently, Doug is President & CEO at North American Fur Auctions Inc., a private company with operations in Europe, North America and Asia.
Tanneke is a partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP with a focus on natural resource project development in emerging markets. Tanneke is highly regarded for her expertise and experience in the mining industry where she is recognised as a leading legal advisor. Her extensive experience includes advising on all aspects of the development and financing of mining and other natural resource projects in emerging markets, with an emphasis on African markets.
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