Seventeen-year-old Nila Ibrahimi, an Afghan activist, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize for her tireless work advocating for the rights of girls in Afghanistan. Her activism, which began in Kabul and later continued from exile, highlights the challenges faced by Afghan women and girls under the Taliban regime.
A Brave Voice Against Oppression
Nila’s journey as an activist began in 2021 when the Kabul Education Directorate implemented a ban preventing schoolgirls over the age of 12 from singing in public. Refusing to remain silent, a then 14-year-old Nila recorded a protest song, which gained international attention under the viral #IAmMySong movement. This campaign led to the reversal of the ban, making her a symbol of resistance for Afghan girls.
Nila’s activism continued even after the Taliban seized power in 2021, imposing harsh restrictions on women’s freedoms, including bans on education and public speech. Women are now forbidden from speaking or singing publicly, with additional rules restricting their movement and presence in public spaces.
Speaking to ‘The Independent’, Nila described her early activism as risky but necessary. “I didn’t fully grasp the risks at 13 or 14, but I knew it was important to challenge these restrictions.”
Escaping the Taliban and Continuing the Fight
Following the Taliban’s return to power, Nila and her family fled Afghanistan with the help of the 30 Birds Foundation. They first sought refuge in Pakistan before eventually settling in Canada. Despite being in exile, Nila’s commitment to advocating for Afghan girls never wavered.
In Canada, Nila co-founded “Her Story,” a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan girls and women. The organization allows Afghan girls to share their experiences, shedding light on the struggles they continue to endure under Taliban rule.
“Winning this prize means the voices of Afghan women and girls will echo across the world,” Nila stated during the award ceremony.
She also expressed concern for those still living under the Taliban’s oppressive regime. “I think about the girls left behind every single day. They are my source of motivation,” she said.
Global Recognition and Impact
Nila received the award during a ceremony in Amsterdam, where past laureates like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg have been honored. Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman presented the prize, praising Nila’s courage and resilience.
Marc Dullaert, founder of the KidsRights Foundation, commended Nila’s dedication.
“She could have chosen to focus on her own life after fleeing Afghanistan, but instead, she continued to advocate selflessly for Afghan girls globally,” he said.
During the ceremony, Nila led a 500-strong choir in singing her viral protest song, joined by participants from four continents. This moment symbolized the global solidarity inspired by her work.
A Call to Action: How Can the World Help Afghan Women?
Nila’s activism raises urgent questions about global responsibility toward the plight of Afghan women and girls. While her work inspires hope, she emphasizes the need for collective action.
“If women’s rights are suffering in one part of the world, the whole world will suffer in one way or another,” Nila remarked.
As the international community continues to condemn the Taliban’s policies, how can global organizations and governments take meaningful action to support Afghan women and girls?
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