Dec. 2022 | Vol. 02 Iss. 12
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YOUR C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR DISPLACED WOMEN Byline
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
W
hen Samira Harnish was 10 years old, living in Iraq, she drew a picture of a woman trapped in a spider’s web, calling for help. Even at a young age, Harnish knew the world was a difficult place for women. Education opportunities weren’t easy for women in Iraq. Harnish’s sister received a scholarship to study in England but community members tried to convince her father to keep her home. “My dad was strong and said my daughter got this scholarship and I’m going to send her,” Harnish said. “I remember the family didn’t want to be with him anymore. So in that way, society was harsh for the women.” As a young woman, Harnish came to the United States for an arranged marriage. It was a difficult time and Harnish said she could feel the sticky web keeping her trapped. “I felt like I couldn’t take it off my shoulders because I was thinking everyone was going to hate me or not want me because I was divorcing my first husband,” she said. “But I was taking care of my life and not wanting to feel miserable.” In 2009, Harnish gave up her job as a senior microchip engineer and founded Women of the World, a nonprofit that helps displaced women gain self-reliance by Continued page 5
A Women of the World fundraising event celebrates the success of displaced women from across the globe who work hard to reach their goals. Photo courtesy of Jake Campos
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