Roya Toloui facts for kids
Roya Toloui was born on May 22, 1966, in Baneh, a city in the Kurdistan province of Iran. She is a brave Kurdish-Iranian journalist and a champion for human rights. She also works to support women's rights, which is called being a feminist. Today, she lives in the United States. Roya studied medical science at the University of Mashad.
Her Work for Change
Roya Toloui was the main editor of a monthly magazine called Rasan. This magazine was written in the Kurdish language and focused on topics important to women. Five issues of Rasan were published in Sanandaj in 2005. However, the magazine was stopped by the Iranian government later that year.
Roya also started a group called the Association of the Kurdish Women Supporting Peace in Kurdistan. This group works for peace and helps women in the Kurdistan region. She is also part of the Kurdish PEN, an organization that supports writers and freedom of expression.
Standing Up for Rights
Roya Toloui often spoke out about important issues. She bravely defended the rights of Kurdish and Iranian women. Because she spoke so openly, she faced challenges from the authorities. In April 2005, she was questioned by the government about her activities.
Facing Challenges and Moving On
After some public gatherings in Kurdish areas of western Iran, Roya was taken into custody on August 2, 2005. She was held for 66 days before she was allowed to leave in October 2005. Her situation was highlighted by International PEN on their Day of the Imprisoned Writer in November 2005.
After she was released, Roya left Iran. She first went to Turkey and then found a new home in the United States in April 2006. In 2006, she was given the Oxfam Novib/PEN Award for her important work.
