Educated women are the biggest threat to the Taliban, and a group of musicians in Vancouver is taking steps to “arm” more women in Afghanistan.
Blues player Joni Miller, a lifelong supporter of women’s rights, is organizing a benefit concert for Sunday at Café Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive for Give Girls a Chance, a non-profit organization.
GGAC, a fundraiser for Tides Canada Foundation, administers educational funds to women in disadvantaged communities around the world.
“The message to educate women is a simple and direct one, and it has a big impact,” Miller said.
Maxine Crook, GGAC fund adviser, said donations from the concert will go to the Noor Education Centre in Kabul. Started by a young group of Afghan women in 2001, the school provides literacy and computer classes.
“It’s really difficult for women in Afghanistan, because the Taliban targets outspoken, educated women who have a voice for change,” Crook said.
For the concert, Miller handpicked female jazz and blues artists to play, including her cousin Judy Lee.
“Everyone heard about the project and immediately said yes,” Miller said.
Established in 2001, GGAC has raised more than $375,000 for the education of girls in Canada and abroad.
