The fund supports legal scholars who have been displaced from their country of practice and career. Specifically, this fund is being created after a group became aware of the plight of Afghan women who were judges in Afghanistan and were unable to continue under the Taliban’s regime. Legal professionals, such as these women, are unable to continue their work in their country and have come to Canada. To continue their professions in Canada, they need to become more fluent in English, re-do or upgrade their legal education, or need other support to regain their career. This fund has the intention of supporting individuals in re-education that have been displaced due to conflict, war, or other events.

The Plight of the Afghan Women Judges

When the Taliban brutally seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the 270 women judges in Afghanistan became immediate targets and had no choice but to flee their homes and their country. With assistance from the International Association of Women Judges and other NGOs, many women judges and their families were thankfully able to escape Afghanistan and find safety and refuge in other countries. Thirty-five Afghan judges and their families have relocated to Canada, seven of whom now live in Calgary with ten adult family members and 12 children, two of whom were born in Calgary. These courageous women face numerous challenges as they seek to rebuild their lives in Canada after serving as judges on appellate courts in Kabul, Badakhshan, and Parwan, Afghanistan.

The cost to complete the 3-year Juris Doctor Program at UCalgary Law is $66,000 (includes annual tuition increases, books, and other fees).

Your Investment Will:

• Support displaced lawyers and law students from other countries in their pursuit of a legal career in Canada. This will demonstrate the unity of our legal community.
• Help to right the injustices that threaten and exploit the progress, safety, and dignity of displaced individuals.
• Demonstrate the commitment of Calgary’s legal community in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond.

The University of Calgary Faculty of Law invites the esteemed members of Calgary’s Legal community to consider being part of this incredible endeavor to assist in rebuilding the lives of displaced individuals who bravely strive to return to legal careers in Calgary despite the many devastating hardships that could so easily have discouraged them from resuming their careers as lawyers and judges and their unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law.

Questions? Please contact:
Ainsley Grant
Director of Development
Faculty of Law
[email protected]

All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.  

The University of Calgary respects your privacy. The personal information requested on this form is being collected under the authority of Section 33(c) of the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It will be used for the purpose of administering the University of Calgary’s alumni engagement and development programs that support its charitable and fund-raising activities. If you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, please contact 403.220.8261 or [email protected].

In 2023-2024, the University of Calgary raised $167 million at a cost of $16.9 million, which translates to $0.10 spent for every dollar raised. We are committed to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility to ensure donor support creates meaningful and lasting impact.

Gifts received to support these areas may be directed to either endowed or non-endowed initiatives depending on the greatest need.