Join Marzia Babakarkhail for a special event in the lead up to International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 Nov 2026)

Join former Afghan judge, women's rights activist, and author Marzia Babakarkhail for a very special event in the lead up to International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November 2026).

Marzia, and her guests, will be discussing 'Marzia: A Judge's Fight for Afghan Women's Rights' – a powerful memoir of courage, justice, and one woman's determination to give voice to Afghanistan's women judges in the wake of the Taliban's return to power.

Hear also the stories of dedication of other Afghanistan's women judges who have been driven into hiding, forced to flee abroad, or trapped in Afghanistan and Pakistan under constant threat. The full line up of guests will be announced later.

Marzia will take part in a book signing at the end of the session.

Choose from two ticket types: free or free with an advance purchase of the book. Also available to purchase at the event (subject to availability).

Suitable for 12+ (under 16s must have an accompanying adult).

If you require British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation please contact access@phm.org.uk or 0161 838 9190.

Contributor biographies:

Marzia Babakarkhail’s lifelong work has focused on advancing women’s access to justice, education, and opportunity in Afghanistan. Marzia set up set up the Afghan Women Social and Cultural Organisation and was Chair of the Women’s Committee of the Afghan NGOs Coordination Bureau (ANCB). After surviving two Taliban assassination attempts, she was forced to flee Afghanistan and then Pakistan to rebuild her life in the UK. Today, the briefcase she carried during that escape is in the collection at PHM.

Pamela Say is an author and a marketing and fundraising consultant with more than 25 years of experience helping non-profit organisations strengthen their communications, engage supporters, and tell stories that matter. She is the author of six books and founder of Pamela H. Say LLC, where she also works as a book coach, partnering with authors to shape meaningful stories that educate, inspire, and endure.

Afzal Khan CBE MP has served as the Labour MP for Manchester Rusholme since 2017. He was the first Asian and Muslim Lord Mayor of Manchester and previously served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for North West England, where he was also Vice-Chair of the Security and Defence Committee. As an MP, Afzal has held five Shadow Ministerial positions and was UK Trade Envoy to Turkiye. He was awarded the CBE for his work on community cohesion, interfaith, and services in Manchester.

Nerissa Roberts is Head of Faculty for ESOL at The Oldham College, where she taught Marzia, and where she now leads a diverse team delivering award-winning English language education to adult and young learners. Nerissa is actively involved in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, including Refugee Week initiatives and The Oldham College’s journey towards becoming a College of Sanctuary. It has been a particular privilege for Nerissa to see Marzia’s journey and achievements develop over the years, and she is delighted to be part of celebrating Marzia’s remarkable story.

Description supplied by the event organiser.