'Freedom, happiness, opportunities': Afghan women learn to swim, drive in Australia

Newly-arrived Afghan refugee Sahar Azizi drives a vehicle during her second driving lesson in Sydney, Australia August 2, 2022. REUTERS/Stefica Nicol Bikes

SYDNEY (Reuters) - At an indoor pool in a western Sydney suburb, about 20 Afghan women who recently reached Australia as refugees listen to former asylum seeker Maryam Zahid as she offers them swimming classes and talks about the country's beach culture.

Zahid, who arrived in Australia from Afghanistan 22 years ago, said her sessions help the women develop "an identity for themselves" and deal with the trauma of the war that ravaged their home country.