Politics

Afghan Girl Wins Children’s Peace Prize by Advocating for Education

By Sarah Anderson

International Children's Peace Prize

Seventeen-year-old Nila Ibrahimi, an Afghan activist and advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights, has won the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize. This award, previously given to figures such as Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg, honors Ibrahhimi for her “courageous work to fight for the rights of girls.” Her inclusion on this list underscores her extraordinary impact and dedication. 

 

Born in Afghanistan, Ibrahimi’s activism began at a young age, propelled by personal experiences and the dire conditions faced by women under this restrictive regime. Her breakthrough came in 2021 after she courageously shared videos of herself singing on social media. Her goal was to challenge Afghanistan’s ban on school girls singing in public. The video went viral, leading to the rule being overturned weeks later. 

 

Following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021, 15-year-old Ibrahimi and her family sought refuge in Pakistan before relocating to Canada. There, she co-founded “Her Story” alongside her brother. The organization amplifies the voices of Afghan girls and highlights their stories, fostering global awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. Through this initiative, Ibrahimi has become a leading voice in the fight for gender equality, using storytelling as a powerful tool for change.

 

This urgency of Ibrahimi’s mission becomes increasingly pressing with current events. The Taliban, despite worldwide appeals to stop, recently held a public execution in a sports stadium. This is a clear violation of human rights. To effect meaningful change, it is clear more individuals must demonstrate the courage of Nila Ibrahimi, fighting for justice and equality.

 

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