The Afghan Women’s Voice Movement stands as a symbol of resilience and the struggle for Afghan women’s rights. This movement emerged as a social and political response to the many challenges Afghan women face. In 2022, the movement organized its first protest, rallying a large group of women to recognize and criminalize gender apartheid. It consists of 140 active women in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, all working to advocate for Afghan women’s rights.
The Afghan Women’s Voice Movement not only amplifies women’s voices worldwide but also acts as a powerful symbol of resistance against discrimination and inequality.
Hadia Sahebzada is the leader and founder of the Afghan Women’s Voice Movement. She has a degree in Law and Political Science, along with a diploma in Islamic Studies, and is an advocate for children’s rights. Through a major campaign to halt the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran, she defended migrant rights and is now recognized among human rights activists and media circles.
The movement is organized into four committees:
- Military Committee
- Athletes’ Committee
- Charity Committee
- Committee for Orphans and Women in Need
Formed in the wake of recent political and social changes, especially following the Taliban’s return to power, the Afghan Women’s Voice Movement has rapidly united a large community of men and women around human rights, social justice, and gender equality.
Activities:
- Organizing Marches and Gatherings: Members regularly hold demonstrations to raise awareness of women’s issues.
- Workshops and Seminars: Educational sessions are conducted to promote awareness on women’s rights and combat discrimination.
- Collaboration with International Organizations: Engaging with global organizations to gather international support for Afghan women’s rights.
- Establishing Online and In-Person Schools across Afghanistan
- Providing Educational and Employment Opportunities for Women
- Supporting Women Fleeing Taliban Threats and Seeking Refuge in Iran
- Referring Qualified Afghan Women to the United Nations Office in Tehran
Despite facing numerous challenges, including political suppression, security threats, and limited resources, members of this movement continue their struggle with unwavering determination.
The Afghan Women’s Voice Movement not only symbolizes the fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan but also inspires other social movements worldwide. This movement embodies the strength and determination of women working to secure their rights and drive positive change in society.
Additional Initiatives:
- Promoting new programs to support women’s fight against the Taliban and the battle of right over wrong.
- Creating and supporting new groups and initiatives for women’s advancement.
- Establishing schools and universities to elevate women’s capacities.
- Spreading authentic narratives of Afghan women globally.
- Organizing public resistance against the Taliban.
- Criticizing, proposing, voting on, and questioning the Taliban and international solutions for the benefit of Afghan society.
- Defending children’s rights, especially in countries where educational opportunities are scarce and poverty persists.
- Providing assistance to impoverished women and supporting homeless women whose husbands were killed by the Taliban.
- Advocating internationally for Afghan women’s hardships and poor conditions worldwide.
- Establishing media platforms and social networks to raise awareness and publicly counter the Taliban and groups in conflict with marginalized populations.
- Gaining recognition for gender apartheid by various groups.
- Highlighting Afghan women’s identities, beliefs, professions, and societal importance.
- Advocating at international forums for the rights of Afghans, especially women, children, and victims of previous regimes, against the Taliban.
While acknowledging ideological differences with the Taliban, the movement is committed to countering their oppressive actions and misinformation at every opportunity, standing firm in its fight for justice.
