On May 16, 2012, the Greater Maryland Network hosted its official Re-Launch Reception at the offices of Venable LLP. Over 40 Network members and their guests attended. With a beautiful 10th floor terrace view of downtown Baltimore, the reception featured a presentation by Ms. Rangina Hamidi, founder of Kandahar Treasure, the first for-profit business owned and run solely by women in Kandahar, and a leading activist for women’s rights in Afghanistan. After introductory remarks by the Honorable Susan K. Gauvey, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Ms. Hamidi spoke passionately of peace and security, economic empowerment and self-respect for the women of Kandahar and the preservation of Kandahar’s cultural heritage despite decades of war. Ms. Hamidi shared not only her compelling personal story as an Afghan woman and the daughter of the assassinated mayor of war-torn Kandahar, but also her inspiring dedication to the mission of promoting economic independence to the women of her home village. This mission requires a delicate balance between providing economic opportunities for the individual women while respecting a culture that often prevents these women from seeking employment outside the home. At the conclusion of the presentation, Ms. Hamidi shared many hand-embroidered treasures from the women of the Kandahar Treasure. Each of these items featured “kharmak,” the geometric hand-embroidery unique to Kandahar.
With 29 members and growing, the Greater Maryland Network is pleased with the success of its re-launch events and is looking forward to more events in the coming months.
For those interested in learning more, information about Ms. Hamidi and Kandahar Treasure can be found at kandahartreasure.com.