Born: 8 February 1967 (Gilan-e Gharb, Kermanshah, Iran)
Biography:
Soheila Fors (born 8 February 1967) is an Iranian-Swedish women’s rights activist, writer, and founder of the Khatoon-foundation for immigrant women. She has made significant contributions to the empowerment and support of women, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, who have experienced abuse and isolation.
Fors was born in Gilan-e Gharb in Kermanshah, Iran. She grew up during a tumultuous time in Iran’s history, marked by the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini and his oppressive regime. Unfortunately, Fors and her family became targets of persecution by the regime due to their opposition to Khomeini’s policies. In order to escape the persecution, Fors made the difficult decision to leave her homeland in 1993 and seek refuge in Sweden, alongside her husband and their two children.
Tragically, Fors’s initial journey to Sweden did not bring an end to her struggles. She found herself trapped in an abusive relationship, which prompted her to make the brave decision to divorce her husband. In 1998, she remarried and found love and support with her current husband. Together, they have two children.
Drawing from her personal experiences, Fors became determined to break the cycle of isolation and abuse that many immigrant women face. In pursuit of this goal, she founded shelters specifically designed to provide refuge and assistance to women who had undergone similar ordeals. Fors understood the unique challenges faced by immigrant women, particularly those trapped in honor cultures, and worked tirelessly to ensure their safety and well-being.
In addition to her work with immigrant women, Fors also dedicated her efforts to collecting relief aid for refugees in Kurdistan. Recognizing the plight of those forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution, she actively organized and participated in humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering.
Fors’s advocacy for the rights of women and refugees has not gone unnoticed, but it has also come at a great personal cost. Her fearlessly vocal stance against gender inequality and oppression has made her a target for extremist groups. She has received death threats from individuals claiming to represent the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Despite these challenges, Fors continues to fight for justice and equality, inspired by her own experiences and the resilience of the women she seeks to help.
In 2012, Fors was honored for her exceptional work by being chosen as Rolemodel of the year by Christian newspaper Dagen. This recognition served as a testament to the impact she has had on the lives of women, both within Sweden and beyond. To further share her story and inspire others, Fors released her biography, Kärleken blev mitt vapen, in 2015. Her book chronicles her personal journey, serving as a testament to the transformative power of love and determination.
Despite facing numerous challenges and threats, Soheila Fors remains a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, a beacon of hope for immigrant women, and an unwavering voice for justice and equality.
Awards:
– Rolemodel of the year by Christian newspaper Dagen in 2012.