You might not know her name yet, but this woman who survived the Taliban twice is quietly transforming the way South Australia supports its newest arrivals.
When Mursal Jamshedi remembers fleeing the Taliban as a child, she doesn’t recall fear – only adventure.
“I walked through the borders, over the mountains. It was the best experience of my childhood,” she says. “I remember sleeping under the stars, playing with the donkeys and camels that were our transport. When you’re a child you don’t know it’s dangerous.”
Yet behind her happy memories is a stark reality: her family was risking capture or death as they crossed into Pakistan.
Becoming a journalist
Mursal grew up in Pakistan, building a successful career as a TV journalist. She hosted popular live music and cooking shows, quickly becoming a recognised face on Pakistani television.
But her journalism put her life at risk. “I went to Kabul from Pakistan to film for one of my shows and was attacked there,” she recalls. “I had to flee Kabul again to save my life.”
Facing death threats from the Taliban, Mursal secured refugee status through the United Nations, resettling in Australia with her family in 2015.
Finding purpose in Australia
Adjusting to life in Australia was challenging at first. Despite speaking English, she struggled with the Australian accent.
“English is my fourth language. It is a beautiful language, but I was crying to my mum, ‘I don’t know how to speak English here!’” she says. “It sounded so different!”
Professionally, her journalism experience didn’t initially translate, and her proposal for a cooking show highlighting Afghan cuisine was rejected.
“Refugee life is not easy. You have to fight for everything. You have to become like a Batman or Superwoman to get what you need.”
Determined, she founded the Afghan Culture Association of South Australia (ACA) in 2018. “I saw nobody promoting Afghan culture here, and it’s vibrant and beautiful,” she says.
Initially, the association focused on fostering Afghan culture and empowering women through fashion shows and cultural events celebrating Afghan clothing, music, and dance.
Empowering Afghan refugees
When the Taliban retook Kabul in 2021, prompting new refugee arrivals in SA, Mursal’s organisation quickly pivoted to provide urgent support.
“These families arrived with nothing. We raised donations, collected clothes, and worked closely with SA Health and Welcoming Australia,” she says.
During COVID lockdowns, her team worked tirelessly to provide clothes, food vouchers, and care packages directly to families.
A powerful expression of her advocacy was participating in the international mosaic project Hanging by a Thread – Mosaic for Afghan Women, creating a giant glass mosaic scarf inspired by Afghan dress patterns.
“We brought Afghan clothes patterns into these stones,” Mursal says. “This artwork symbolises resilience, unity and cultural pride.”
Raising her voice for the voiceless
The Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan has deeply affected Mursal.
“I had depression and anxiety,” she says. “It felt selfish for me to eat when Afghan children had no food to eat and I couldn’t help.
“But slowly, my team started fundraising events here for Afghanistan. Churches supported us immensely.”
Afghan women face unbelievably harsh realities under the Taliban regime.
“Women in Afghanistan cannot study, they cannot go out without a man,” Mursal says. “If they raise their voice, they will be killed. If they protest, they will be raped or put in jail.”
Yet Mursal sees hope through awareness, and urges South Australians to advocate for women’s rights.
“There are many ways to help from Australia,” she says. “Raise your voices for the Afghan women who have no voice. Our voices together are power.
“Social media has the most power to bring change. Go online and write #LetAfghanWomenLearn on your social media. If we all do it, together we can make change happen.”
Tireless dedication
Balancing Mursal’s full-time job as an Orientation Guide with volunteering is demanding.
“You have to sacrifice your own time,” she says. “Since I settled in South Australia, almost all my weekends have been used for community work or volunteering. Of course, it’s all worthwhile, and sometimes you get recognised for the hard work.”
Mursal was recently honoured as a joint winner in the Volunteer category at the 2024 Governor’s Multicultural Awards.
She insists on sharing credit. “This award is for all the Afghan Culture Association members. You’ve done an amazing job – this recognition belongs to all of you.”
Cricket diplomacy
Mursal is also a passionate cricket fan, proudly supporting both her home and adopted country.
“When the Afghan men’s team came to Australia in 2022, it was an amazing experience to see the heroes in front of my eyes,” she says.
For the match between Australia and Afghanistan, she proudly painted both flags on her face. “People asked me which team I supported and I was saying ‘both!’ One was my first home, and the second is my new home.”
She even secured free tickets to the game for newly arrived Afghan refugees, helping them share in the joy of sport and community.
More to come
Mursal dreams of returning to journalism, determined to someday bring her Afghan cooking show to Australian screens. “It’s my passion – I would love the chance.”
Until then, she continues advocating fiercely for women’s education and rights. “When you educate women, you educate the entire family. Men need to understand this so they let women learn.”
And as Afghan refugees continue arriving, Mursal remains at their side.
“The women are still coming, and I am still working with them. We teach them to drive. We take them to Halal shops, all the Afghan groceries, holy places – we help them find their way.”
Read about all the winners of the 2024 Governor’s Multicultural Awards here.
