Harkema, Saskia | Paperback / softback | 06-03-2024 | 9789492939357

Raised in a humble family in the rural area of Pakistan, at a very early age, Noorzia Afridi already knew that she wanted to champion for women’s empowerment, knowing that women are the pillars of families in many societies, whilst also not being visible and silenced.

Noorzia Afridi’s life reads like an odyssey. It is a life full of hardships, successes, failures, obstacles, and achievements. Born and raised in a region governed by the Taliban, where women have no rights whatsoever, her life is a journey of empowerment, endurance, and determination to follow her dreams.

Against all odds, she took control over her own life and did not shy away from confronting strict and rigid rules and expectations, which were meant to inhibit her from doing what she believes in, and sees as the purpose of her life.

She is an acclaimed and recognized human rights defender and activist who, at great personal loss, has fought for her rights and those of other women to participate in society and have the freedom to make choices about the course of their lives.

Her story is a universal story that teaches us many, many lessons about how to empower oneself and others. Through her story, we have developed a methodology that can help women across the world to use the exercises and tools to fight for their right to be themselves and not accept being marginalized or put aside merely because of their gender.

This book is an ode to women who are oppressed and still struggle to find their inner voice and strength to pursue their dreams and mission in life. It is also a guide that can be used by women to empower themselves, embark on an inner journey of self-discovery, and unleash their hidden potential, which is often dormant and suppressed.

Women are the torchbearers of change; they have always been operating at the fringes of societies. Noorzia’s quest is to contribute to a paradigm shift and initiate a movement in which women reclaim their right to be treated just as men, follow their dreams, and participate fully in communities and societies. This book is a testimony to her odyssey and a practical guide. Noorzia Afridi is giving us her life lessons, to teach us how we can become heroes in our own life journey.

Noorzia and Saskia Harkema met in 2019, a turning point in Noorzia’s life. Harkema is a Dutch trainer, advisor, and coach, CEO of Faces of Change, Global Leader ImpactLeaders International, Global Ambassador of the Female Wave of Change, and World Ambassador of the Netherlands for World Peace Tracts. She grew up in South America and wrote several books.