Md. Zakira Hekmat was invited as speaker to the meeting arranged by Global Ties KC and the KCK Rotary Club to host her as one of this year’s International Women of Courage Awardees to Kansas City.

The International Women of Courage Award was established by the U.S. Department of State in 2007 to honor women who are making a substantial difference in the lives of women around the globe. Nominated by U.S. embassies and NGOs, the candidates are selected by the State Department for their courageous and selfless efforts advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often in the face of great personal risk.

Md. Zakira Hekmat talked about the story of her migration from Afghanistan to Turkey, works & services & activities of Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association, her advocacy work and how she won the International Women of Courage award. The meeting followed by the question & answer session.