When I moved to Canada with all my qualifications, including a Master’s Degree, 10 years of teaching and translation experience, knowing and speaking 7 languages, it was very difficult to find a job. As an artist, I always thought to be optimistic and don’t give up!  I was looking for jobs and never received an offer until my brother looked for a women’s organization called IWSO in Ottawa. Even though I lived in Gatineau and the IWSO office was in Ottawa, I said, I will go. I had a good feeling about IWSO. When I entered their office, it felt so welcoming and cozy. They asked me to meet Noushin, the coordinator. She welcomed me and spoke with me about my experiences and what I needed help with. I said I wanted to volunteer in any capacity with IWSO.  Noushin, liked my ideas and said I could start right away. There were many classes for women such as sewing, crochet, citizenship and English classes. Noushin asked if I could teach art to women and I said of course I can.  My classes were once a week, however, I was helping with anything IWSO needed in the different classes they offer. Then… Covid hit.

We were all in a mentor class learning about job search skills, when we heard the news that Covid was spreading in Ottawa. It was horrible!  Everyone was scared to lose their lives. Everything shut down. Everyone was jobless, depressed, tense, nervous and scared for their life. When I got a call a month later from Noushin, asking me how I was, and how we can help women, specially the immigrant women, in this kaos. We planned to give free classes every week and I agreed to lead classes in ART therapy.  I would greet the women on Zoom and start the class by asking how everyone was and then we do our exercises; sitting poses for yoga or some stretching. Later, I used draw and teach the women art skills.  As it was Covid and all art supply stores were closed, I used very simple tools, simply pencils and white paper.  Later, we used some items from the Dollar Store. I had many students from different cultural backgrounds and ages and we would chat and have fun together. This class continued for almost one year.

Then the second wave of Covid hit, and the women were more familiar with how the classes would unfold.  I had to visit my family and get married. At the time, everyone was collecting CERB,  I had no money coming in and I was just managing to help my family. Being able to bringing a smile to the faces of the women IWSO helps, made me very happy.

And after six months, I got a call from CBC’s News reporter, Ash Abrahim.  At first I couldn’t believe it, and when I confirmed the phone call was legitimate, I was very excited to show everyone how I loved painting in the snow with my easel and colours. Unfortunately, when the second wave of Covid appeared,  the program got cancelled.

In May 2021, another Afghan artist and illustrator called Zahira, got Ash’s attention and we were both asked to participate in a documentary about our work history, background and, art skills. On August, 15^th, 2022, that documentary aired on CBC and we were both proud and honoured to be presented to the world as Afghan Women artists.  In 2023, that documentary was awarded the best documentary for creative work, all because Ash found me through IWSO!

Over the years, I’ve invited many women to IWSO to get services and classes to help them with settling in Canada.  It has been a privilege to be part of IWSO in a time which was hard on everyone. I would recommend every refugee and new comer woman visit IWSO to get help in starting their new life and career in Canada.

Working with IWSO was an amazing part of my work history and volunteerism that has bee an asset on my resume and it’s helped me find better work in the Ottawa area.