February 4, 2015 marked the 28th martyrdom anniversary of Meena, the founding leader of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA). On February 6, 2015, members and supporters of RAWA gathered to commemorate this anniversary. A function was held in secret locations in Kabul and Jalalabad cities. The hall was decorated with photos, slogans and posters of our dear leader, Meena.
The function was started by a RAWA member talking about the current situation of Afghanistan, especially how the criminals and mercenaries of other countries – especially USA – are bargaining for power and a seat in the new government. Then a young RAWA member briefly spoke about Meena’s life in Pashto. This was followed by an introduction of the book ‘Meena, the heroine of Afghanistan’ by Melody Ermachild, and translation of several sections of the book. A slideshow of Meena’s life and RAWA’s activities over the decades was also showed.
A special speech was delivered by a RAWA member on the women fighting in Kobani against ISIS. It was accompanied by a slideshow which described the great inspiration those women are to struggling women everywhere in the world. The highlight of the function was when one of RAWA’s oldest supporters who had lost two of her brothers during the infamous Khalq and Parcham regime and lived with Meena in secrecy for some time, told some stories about Meena. The rest of the function was filled with songs and poems by young RAWA members.
A day before, a similar function was held in eastern Jalalabad city. RAWA students remembered Meena’s life, her sacrifices, sang songs in her memory, and took an oath to continue her path of struggle.