Yesterday we were honored to host Dr. Zakira Hekmat, her team, and our friends at
Global Ties KC for a round table discussion about refugee resettlement. Last week, Dr. Hekmat was awarded the “International Women of Courage Award” for her work with refugees and migrants in Turkey.
Dr. Hekmat attended school secretly in Afghanistan when her country was under Taliban rule and was later awarded a scholarship to continue her education in Turkey where she received her medical degree.
When Zakira was in 6th grade, she was forced to quit her studies because of the Taliban taking control – though she continued to learn in secret. “But at the time when the Taliban was in power, I was very disappointed and hopeless because I didn’t think I’d have a future because of not going to school. And I always wanted to be a doctor”, Dr. Hekmat shared. In 2001, when the US came to Afghanistan, she could return to school and complete her formal education. She was so grateful for another chance – another opportunity for a future. While she continued her schooling, she helped other women who were illiterate and became a resource to others.
She received a scholarship and went to Turkey. This scholarship provided her with housing, schooling, and everything she needed. Dr. Hekmat felt the support when she arrived and knew she wanted to continue to help others. In 2014, she founded the Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association – an organization that supports Afghan refugees arriving in Turkey. She noted many similarities between her work and ours, but the biggest difference: WHO is doing the welcoming.
“It’s very difficult to welcome people to a new country as a foreigner yourself. It’s easier as citizens of the country to welcome people with open arms.” There is a different level of credibility when the citizens of the country are showing that support and hospitality. “I’m really happy to know we’re living in a place where people like you, the citizens, are the ones providing that space for them”, Dr. Hekmat noted.
When Dr. Hekmat was asked which flag she wanted by her name at the IWOC award ceremony, she requested both Afghanistan and Turkey. She is the first woman with dual citizenship to honor both flags. She shared that because she was born in Afghanistan, she wanted to honor her birthplace, but she’s also appreciative of the government of Turkey. They gave her the placement, the education, and the support for 14 years to do what she loves – help others.
Currently, at least 4 million refugees are living in Turkey from all nationalities – 300,000+ are known to be from Afghanistan. She wants her representation of both flags to give them all hope, joy, and ownership. She hopes it will be a source of unification and anti-discrimination. Dr. Hekmet is so appreciative of this award and shared she believes it further increases her responsibility to advance her work and serve those around her.
Dr. Zakira Hekmat is a true inspiration. Thank you again, Dr. Hekmat and team, for spending time with us and to
Global Ties KC for organizing this incredible experience.
