On 16 September 2022, a 22-year-old Iranian woman named Mahsa Amini died in a hospital in Tehran, Iran, under suspicious circumstances. The Guidance Patrol, the religious morality police of Iran’s government, had arrested her for not wearing the hijab in accordance with government standards. At the time of her death, Mahsa had just been admitted to university and aspired to become a lawyer. A joint statement by UN experts “strongly condemned the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody.”
In order to honour Mahsa Amini’s legacy, we have established an endowment so that every year, the investment interest earned would be used to provide scholarships to women pursuing higher education who fulfill the Foundation’s mission. The endowment provides a perpetual legacy memorializing Mahsa Amini’s struggle, as well as those young women who have subsequently been killed while protesting in Iran.
Sajida Raza, from Chitral in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, completed her medical degree in November 2019. Chitral only has hospitals in very few places, so access to quality healthcare can be limited and it is often cut off from the rest of the world for months during winter.
Doug has many years of senior business and financial management experience across a diverse range of industries and size of businesses. During his career, Doug has also worked as a consultant to several start-up companies. Currently, Doug is President & CEO at North American Fur Auctions Inc., a private company with operations in Europe, North America and Asia.
Tanneke is a partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP with a focus on natural resource project development in emerging markets. Tanneke is highly regarded for her expertise and experience in the mining industry where she is recognised as a leading legal advisor. Her extensive experience includes advising on all aspects of the development and financing of mining and other natural resource projects in emerging markets, with an emphasis on African markets.