The constant search for autonomy and freedom is in every woman.

Hana Assafiri is a much-loved and revered social activist and radical entrepreneur. Through the medium of food and dining in her renowned Moroccan Soup Bar, she has worked tirelessly to rectify the systemic and social barriers to women’s empowerment.

Hana’s memoir follows her childhood between Lebanon and Australia, her marriage, her attempts to leave, and her ensuing career in women’s services. In 1998, she opened the Moroccan Soup Bar, which would quickly become an iconic Melbourne institution—founded on the radical notion that marginalised women, together in the kitchen, can effect social change.

Hana Assafiri is a Melbourne-based social activist, feminist, and owner of the popular Moroccan Soup Bar restaurant. Through the Moroccan Soup Bar, Hana provides employment for marginalised women in her community and hosts important initiatives like Speed Date a Muslim and Conversation Salons. She has been recognised on many occasions for her entrepreneurial ingenuity, innovation and voracious spirit for social justice. In 2015, Hana received TimeOut’s Legend Award, and in the same year, renowned artist Ai Weiwei included her in his collection of local social activists in the NGV. She was inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2017 for being a leading agent of social change and women’s empowerment, and in 2019 was awarded an Order of Australia Medal OAM. Hana’s activism forefronts women’s issues, racism, and the need for pluralism and intersectionality for society to progress. She is a mentor and role model for women everywhere, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.

Patrick (Pat) Abboud is a Walkley winning investigative journalist, filmmaker, writer, director, presenter. He is the founder of Only Human Productions and a creative partner in Dreamchaser Studios, led by Carl Fennessy and Hugh Marks. Pat was awarded 2023 Freelance Journalist of the Year by the Walkley Foundation. His recent feature documentary film streaming now on SBS On Demand, ‘Australia Uncovered: Kids Raising Kids’ was nominated for Best Documentary at AIDC 2023.  Pat is nominated for Best Director at the prestigious 2023 Australian Directors Guild Awards. In 2024, Pat brings his production company, Only Human into an exclusive partnership deal with leading content studio Dreamchaser (Australia) & Fifth Season (USA). Together they will co-produce his new slate of TV/ streaming series for the international market, including Pat’s first foray into drama.

His new immersive multi-screen film project will launch at the Museum of Democracy/ Old Parliament House in November 2024.

Event ticket: $5

Event + book: $39.95

Text credit: Better Read Than Dead

Image credit: Better Read Than Dead