What does it mean to be a woman in a world where, in some places, even the most basic freedoms—education, work, sports, and speaking in public—are denied?

Afghan Poet, writer, and speaker Marzia Sadat reflects on the meaning of womanhood through the lens of her own experience and the ongoing struggles of women in Afghanistan. While much of the world celebrates progress, millions of Afghan women remain banned from schools, workplaces, sports, and public life simply because they are women.

She also shares a poem that reflects on the question "Who is a woman?"—describing the strength, dignity, resilience, and humanity that define women beyond the restrictions placed upon them.

Marzia speaks about the courage and resilience of Afghan women who continue to resist silence, and she also expresses solidarity with the women and men in Iran who are bravely standing up for dignity, freedom, and human rights.

Recorded just before March 8th—which is also Marzia's birthday—this episode is both personal and global. It is a reflection on identity, resilience, and hope for a future where every woman, everywhere, has the freedom to learn, speak, work, and live with dignity.

Follow Marzia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.marziasadat

SoapBox gives the mic to citizens of the Pikes Peak region to share their opinions. If you want to be on the SoapBox, call us at 719-203-1660 or email us.

All candidates for Colorado's 5th Congressional District were invited to present their platforms and answer questions from the public on November 15. 4 candidates attended: Zuri Horowitz, Jessica Killin, Justice Lord, and Joe Reagan. Incumbent Jeff Crank did not. The town hall was hosted by Pikes Peak Bulletin at Community Anchor Academy in southeast Colorado Springs. Kimberly Gold, a Colorado Springs City Councilor, served as moderator. Over 200 community members attended in person, and several dozen watched virtually. Studio 809 Podcasts provided the sound system and recorded the event. Peak Town Square is pleased to share this so you can hear from the candidates who gave their time to appear at this event.

LINKS:

Pikes Peak Bulletin: https://pikespeakbulletin.org/

Community Anchor Academy: https://thecommunityanchoracademy.org/

Studio 809 Podcasts: https://studio809podcasts.com

Candidate Websites:

Zuri Horowitz: https://www.zuriforcd5.com/

Jessica Killin: https://www.killinforcolorado.com/

Justice Lord: unknown

Joe Reagan: https://www.reaganforcolorado.com/

In this special election edition of the Peak Town Square Podcast, hosted by Citizens Project, New Era, and the Southeast Food Coalition, we're bringing democracy to life! Through powerful storytelling and real talk about public policy, this episode dives into why local elections matter, the impact of low turnout in school boards and city races, and what's at stake on the ballot this November.

We cover initiatives LL and MM related to free school meals, and there's even a plain-language breakdown of TABOR and how it affects schools and services. Listeners will walk away with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to be informed voters this November, because your vote shapes the future of our schools, families, and community.

LINKS:

Citizens Project: https://citizensproject.org/

New Era Colorado: https://neweracolorado.org/

Southeast Food Coalition: https://www.facebook.com/SoutheastFoodCoalition/

About Peak Town Square:
Join us in the town square! Colorado Springs' movers and shakers take the mic to share what's happening in our city. Politics, art, culture, recreation, business, food and health – everything is on the table.

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