Meena, Heroine of Afghanistan - by Melody Ermachild Chavis (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The unforgettable story of how one woman dared to start a revolution. Meena founded RAWA in 1977 as a twenty-year-old Kabul University student. She was assassinated in 1987 at age thirty but lives on in the hearts of all progressive Muslim women. Her voice, speaking for freedom, has never been silenced. The compelling story of Meena's struggle for democracy and women's rights in Afghanistan will inspire young women the world over.

From the Back Cover

"A profoundly moving experience . . . a page-turner."
- Los Angeles Times

" 'Dare to show up . . . Dare to be present in your own time' . . . Meena is the story of a woman who did these things at great cost, in the process giving a face and voice to women who had none."
- Washington Post Book World

"After Meena's murder, the women inspired by her, despite great danger, continue the work. An important book."
- Grace Paley

"A vivid celebration of a contemporary heroine."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Chavis writes in a simple direct way, in keeping with RAWA's mission to educate women and girls."
- The Women's Review of Books

Review Quotes

"Meena: a life, a country, Afghanistan, a woman's life, women's lives, bravery, and determination to educate girls and young in the face of the cruelest oppression. After Meena's murder, the women inspired by her, despite great danger, continue the work. An important book." --Grace Paley

"Melody Ermachild Chavis has written a deceptively simple, clear, and absolutely stunning portrait of a selfless revolutionary and of the organization of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, which she founded. Meena, inspires, humbles, and haunts us. Ultimately, Meena compels us to act--for peace and justice, for democracy, and, above all, for the liberation of women. Please read this book. It is a gift from the women of Afghanistan to the women of the world." --Bettina Aptheker, professor and chair of the women's studies department at the University of California, Santa Cruz

"This is an interesting and useful account of the struggle waged by a young Afghan woman against religious fundamentalism in Afghanistan. The United States government encouraged and supported the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden in the struggle to 'contain' Soviet expansion for a number of years. Meena was a victim of religious fundamentalism, but also of big power interests." --Nawal El Saadawi, author of A Daughter of Isis and Walking Through Fire

"Timely biography conscientiously detailing the brief but courageous life of the young woman who founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA). . . A vivid celebration of a contemporary heroine." --Kirkus Reviews

"A vivid celebration of a contemporary heroine." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Melody Ermachild Chavis is the author of a memoir, Altars in the Street. Accompanied by Latifa Popal, Melody traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan to interview women who knew Meena. Melody works as a private investigator defending people facing capital punishment. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is also a peace and social justice activist. All of the author's proceeds from Meena, Heroine of Afghanistan will be donated to programs sponsored by RAWA.