How is it to be an activist in Afghanistan?
Being an activist in Afghanistan is both empowering and dangerous. My involvement in snowboarding has allowed me to connect with young people and promote empowerment through sports. However, advocating for change, especially regarding women’s rights, comes with significant risks. The political climate and societal expectations create a challenging environment, forcing me to navigate the delicate balance between activism and personal safety.
Safety is a constant concern for activists in Afghanistan. Engaging in advocacy can lead to threats, harassment, and violence, particularly for those promoting women’s rights. My experiences in sports activism have shown me how quickly situations can escalate, leading to personal risks that have cost me dearly— ultimately forcing me into exile and uprooting my life. Unfortunately, my activism has also impacted those closest to me, including my family, who now face hardships because of my activism. I am actively seeking ways to support them while continuing my advocacy.
What are the difficulties confronting young activists in Afghanistan?
Young activists in Afghanistan face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, societal backlash, and a lack of institutional support. Fear of retaliation often stifles their voices. My journey has taught me that while sports can be a powerful tool for change, they also expose activists to heightened risks, sometimes resulting in severe consequences, as I have experienced firsthand.
How can we do advocacy through sports?
Sports serves as a powerful tool for advocacy by challenging societal norms and providing a platform for change. In Afghanistan, where women often face restrictions, their participation in sports can defy stereotypes and inspire future generations. By engaging in sports, we help women and youth build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain visibility needed to seek to achieve gender equality. As both an athlete and activist, I’ve seen how sports can amplify women’s voices, locally and globally, in a context where they are often dismissed. By supporting their participation, we create safe spaces, cultivate role models, and open doors for women to gain recognition, respect, and agency. Sports, at its core, is about resilience — exactly what we need to champion gender equality.
How can WILPF and Young WILPF help Afghan activists?
Considering the Taliban’s oppressive regime restricting women’s rights, traditional forms of activism, like sports, are no longer effective. Women are denied the right to education, public speech, and basic freedoms, making it necessary to adapt our approach. As I’ve shifted my activism from sports to advocating for women’s rights through art and tradition. Through my project, Malalai Carpet, women can express themselves through craftsmanship — with each piece telling the unique story of the woman who weaves it. In this way, art becomes a powerful tool for women to reclaim their voice in a society that tries to silence them.
Young WILPF can play a crucial role by focusing on enhancing access to education and amplifying women’s voices. Supporting women through education and creating platforms for them to be heard are essential steps in pushing for change under the current regime. By adapting our activism to the realities on the ground, we can continue to champion the rights and dignity of Afghan women.
What is your message for the other young WILPFers?
To my esteemed Young WILPFers, I would like to gently remind you of the profound significance of perseverance. As I reflect upon my personal journey, which transitioned from the athletic arena to artistic spaces, it becomes clear that even when life presents unexpected challenges, our unwavering commitment to justice can lead to new and impactful opportunities.
Through the establishment of Malalai Carpet, I strive to support Afghan women by not only providing them with financial independence and a platform to express their inherent strength and remarkable resilience. While my path has been marked by sacrifices, including the pain of exile from my beloved homeland, my dedication to uplifting women has only grown stronger. Even from a distance, I remain committed to this mission, driven by my belief in the transformative power of our collective actions. May you stay resolute in your endeavours, for while our work may be challenging it is through these difficulties that genuine and lasting change begins to take shape. Together, we can cultivate a world where every woman’s voice is not only heard but also deeply valued.
