GREETINGS TO THE WOMEN GATHERED TO HONOR MEENA'S LIFE AND WORK


Dear Sisters,


As an author, nothing has made me happier than to know that women around the world are reading Meena's book, and following in her footsteps.

As I worked on Meena's life story, I missed her every day, as I wanted to ask her many questions.

How did she find the courage to found an organization for women in a dangerous time and place?

How did she find the strength to go on in the face of so many hardships?

I don't know her answers, but I think that she must have felt she had no choice but to try. She embraced hope and she did the hard work that hope asks of us.

I am certain that she found inspiration in the work of other women, like the women of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan who have carried on her work for 20 years. Today in Afghanistan, many people's hopes of progress have been dashed by the resurgence of the Taliban, men who want to deny women the right to learn, to support themselves, or to vote. Yet the women of RAWA continue to promote democracy, and to teach and to give women a chance to earn a living. If these women do not give up, how can any of us give up?

If Meena were here today, she would be delighted to see all of you, her daughters, making the lives of your children and each other better. This is the cause she lived for, and she would be very proud of you.

Congratulations today, and on all of your many achievements ahead of you.

Melody Ermachild Chavis