Former CNN Reporter Promotes Empathy, Action

By Serena Lok ’28 Staff Writer

Afghan women are facing unprecedented oppression under Taliban rule, and their stories must be amplified, a former CNN reporter told Miss Porter’s School students and faculty members.

“The voice of women is considered illegal in Afghanistan,” Atia Abawi said. “You can’t speak too loudly, because it could incite a man as if it’s her fault, not his.”

Abawi, an award-winning journalist and author who covered the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, spoke as a Prescott speaker in February. Her talk, which was part of a series focused on democratic citizenship, focused on cultivating empathy for people suffering around the world.

As a foreign correspondent for CNN, NBC News and other outlets, Abawi served as a bureau chief in Kabul and also covered conflict and crises in Iraq, Myanmar, Greece and Israel. For various assignments, she embedded with NATO, U.S. and Afghan forces, dodging bombs and bullets and reporting from the battlefield on a satellite phone.

Born to Afghan parents who fled after the Soviet invasion in the early 1980s, Abawi grew up in the U.S. and began her journalism career at CTV 76 before joining CNN in 2008.

During her speech, Abawi highlighted deteriorating conditions for women in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.

“Every day almost feels like the Taliban has a new law that muzzles and oppresses women,” she said, citing restrictions including banning kitchen windows to enforce segregation of women from public view.

Drawing on her reporting in Afghanistan, Abawi shared the story of an 8-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted and forced to seek refuge in a Kabul women’s shelter. These shelters, once a sanctuary for women in a country where 90% face domestic abuse, have now been shuttered by the Taliban.

Reflecting on her career, Abawi opened up about challenges she faced as an Afghan woman. She said she experienced discrimination during her school years, which continued into her career, and sometimes hindered her recognition.

CNN Reporter

“As a woman, you know prejudice, and they just make assumptions about you,” she said. “Be loud. Be aggressive. You are just as capable.”

Many students and faculty members complimented Abawi’s speech, praising her as one of the series’ most inspirational speakers.

“We wanted to expose everyone to stories from around the world and to get them from a journalist who’s been to those places,” Chief Academic Officer Timothy Quinn said on why the school invited Abawi.

Several audience members said Abawi’s visit reinforced the school’s mission to empower young women to shape a changing world.

Arianna Vasson ’26 said she admired Abawi’s bravery and found her message empowering.

“There are so many things I won’t do out of fear,” Vasson said. “Her words really encouraged me to follow my heart and passion, which will always stick with me.”

Abawi’s commitment to showing the human face of war resonated with Princess-Larrine Moore ’26.

“Seeing her be such a strong woman going onto the literal battlefield and having a family at home while pursuing her passion despite adversity is incredibly inspiring,” Moore said.

Students Read Atia Abawi’s Book and Engage in Meaningful Discussions

By Claire Shen ’28 and Leanne Liang ’28 Staff Writers

On Feb. 6, Miss Porter’s welcomed Atia Abawi, an award-winning journalist and author, to speak about the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. Abawi, with years of experience working in war zones, narrated harrowing yet inspiring accounts of the struggles faced by people in Afghanistan. She stressed the importance of connection and volunteer work when it comes to helping refugees seek stability in foreign lands. Abawi’s message was clear: to incite change, students need to equip themselves with both awareness and empathy.

Following Abawi’s visit, humanities teacher Michelle Fuentes organized a book club to continue the discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Fuentes first guided a review of the highlights from Abawi’s speech, then delved into a discussion on Abawi’s book “A Land of Permanent Goodbyes,” a commentary on the realities of the war in Syria.

The book club’s purpose is to engage students in topics that they “are not often exposed to,” Fuentes said.