A woman judge who had to flee Afghanistan due to the resurgence of the Taliban is on her way to continuing her career in the law in her new country of Canada thanks to some help from Humber Polytechnic.

Kainat Ahmady is currently enrolled in the two-year Paralegal Education program and is considering transferring to the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies here at Humber in the future.

Ahmady is part of a group of women judges from Afghanistan who fled when the Taliban took control of the government. Due to their role in upholding the rule of law, the lives of these women who had been involved in the justice system were in danger.  

The International Association of Women Judges helped evacuate almost 200 women judges. There are now 38 of them in Canada and 25 of that group in this province, where they’re receiving support from the Afghan Women Judges in Ontario organization.  

Upon their arrival in Canada, each of the Afghanistan judges was partnered with two or more Canadian women judges who acted as friends and mentors. Judges in Canada also contributed financially to assist with the resettlement efforts.

Frances Kiteley, retired justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, is a member of the Canadian chapter of the International Association of Women Judges that has been involved in the escape and settlement of the Afghan women judges in Ontario.  

“On behalf of the group of Afghan women judges in Mississauga, I’m very grateful for the enormous support provided by Humber Polytechnic in the critical English language and career journey that will enable them to provide for their families and contribute to Canadian civil society,” said Kiteley.

Humber is playing a part in helping Ahmady reestablish her career in Canada. When Ahmady first arrived, she enrolled in the Paralegal program but struggled to comprehend the lessons as her command of English wasn’t the strongest.  

So, Humber provided free tuition for Ahmady to enrol in the English for Academic Purposes program. Humber also found Ahmady a part-time job on campus and helped cover the cost of transportation and some supplies including providing laptops.  

Humber also did the same for another Afghanistan judge.  There are five Afghan women judges residing with their families in Mississauga. Humber has welcomed all of them with a similar tuition arrangement and the remaining four expect to start in September 2025.

Now having completed the English for Academic Purposes program, Ahmady is again receiving support from Humber towards her enrolment in the Paralegal program.

“I’m speechless, I can’t find the words to thank Humber,” said Ahmady. “I really loved being a judge and I think it’s important for women and girls to work in the law. Women have the right to do that, we’re equals, and gender shouldn’t be an issue.”

Something as simple as helping her find a part-time job was an enormous relief to Ahmady who was worried about how she would support herself by finding work in a new country.

“The help from Humber let me focus on my classes,” said Ahmady.  

James Cullin, associate dean, Business Diploma and Law Programs with the Longo Faculty of Business, said Ahmady’s past experience as a judge in Afghanistan along with her legal background brings a unique perspective not often seen in the program that has enriched her fellow students’ learning. Cullin said Ahmady might currently be a student but has already been involved in the legal profession by providing justice to citizens of her home country.

“Kainat has proved to be an excellent student, and her professors have told me that in broad discussions of legal philosophy, theory and practice, sharing her past experience as a judge has been enriching for others in the program,” said Cullin. “We are extremely honoured to support Kainat on her journey.”

Frances Sparano, manager, English Language and Communications Programming with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences (FLAS), said providing that support was important as it was a tangible way Humber could reduce any barriers to education these women were experiencing.

“The thought of having my career taken away from me arbitrarily based on circumstances beyond my control is awful and I’m glad that Humber could provide support to these women judges as they continue their education,” said Sparano.  

John Stilla, senior dean with FLAS, is unsettled by the thought of these women having their livelihoods taken away from them by an oppressive regime. Helping, as he says, is the right thing to do.

"When we're in a position to help someone recover and re-engage in their lifelong passion that they worked so hard to achieve, we need to step up and do so," said Stilla.

More information about Humber’s legal programs can be found by visiting the Legal Studies website.