MODERN ATHENAS Episode 14: Kamila, A Woman Who Thrived Despite Taliban Rule

MODERN ATHENAS

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, tells the story of Kamila Sidiqui and her sisters, who, under Kamila’s bravery, courage, and perseverance, were able to survive under the Taliban rule in Kabul, Afghanistan once their parents and older brother were forced to flee. Charged with her family’s survival, Kamila invented a way to provide for her family—by making dresses. She eventually mobilized her sisters, and their friends, and her local community. Kamila’s ability to keep going even as her world fell apart, her bravery and courage when she unexpectedly became the primary breadwinner for her family, completely unprepared, and her entrepreneurial spirit, all make her a Modern Athena.
INDEX
00:00-01:56 Intro and Background of the Book
01:57-11:23 The Taliban Reginme Takes Over
11:24-16:43 Kamila’s Family
16:44-19:31 The Book Swap
19:32-21:34 Money Begins to Run Out
21:35-26:07 Kamila Becomes a Seamstress
26:08-32:08 Kamila Starts Her Business
32:09-41:03 Her Business Expands
41:04-44:12 A Dressmaking School is Created
44:13-49:19 The Unexpected Wedding Party
49:20-51:36 A Message from the Taliban
51:37-54:59 The Tides Begin to Change
55:00-58:55 After September 11, 2001
58:56-59:47 Outro and Next Episode
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