The Escape From Kabul By Karen Barlett

Join us for a powerful and unmissable evening with acclaimed journalist and best-selling author Karen Bartlett, as she discusses her extraordinary new book, Escape from Kabul: A True Story of Sisterhood and Defiance.

Afghanistan appointed its first woman judge in 1969. In the intervening years, the status and safety of Afghan women has been shockingly volatile. The late 70s saw the rise of the mujahedeen when women’s rights were eroded, followed by a period of political instability in the late 80s when female judges had the chance to work again. The Taliban seized power in the mid-90s and imposed a strict Islamic regime under which women suffered unspeakable brutality.

The aftermath of 9/11 ushered in a new democratic government and in the following two decades, Afghan women obtained legal degrees, became judges and set out to transform their country - tackling corruption, and reducing horrifying levels of violence against women and children.

These educated and powerful women led the mission to build a modern democracy that respected the rule of law and human rights.

However, the catastrophic withdrawal of Western forces in August 2021 placed the women judges of Afghanistan in mortal danger.

Afghan women judges symbolised everything the Taliban despised and feared. Without help, the judges knew the Taliban would hunt them down and kill them. This is a remarkable, never-before-told account of how a global network of female judges created a support group, working round-the-clock to help many Afghan women judges and their families escape. The heart-stopping stories of their journeys and the shocking fates of those unable to get out are documented by the best-selling veteran journalist, Karen Bartlett. She had unique access to many of the women involved, including those in exile and the judges still trapped in Afghanistan, as well as the women judges from other parts of the world who were vital to the escape effort.

With extraordinary courage and solidarity at its heart, Escape from Kabul is a searing testament to the strength, resilience, and power of women standing together against tyranny.

Don’t miss this deeply moving conversation about courage, justice, and the global fight for women’s rights.

The event will start promptly at 7.00pm.

Ticket Plus Book £12.99

Tickets £8

Includes glass of wine/soft drink

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Author talks are held in our basement which is fully accessible via a nearby lift. Please ask a member of staff who will accompany you.

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