Zarqa Yaftali, a women’s rights and girls’ education activist, has won the Advocacy and Support category of the first “One Possible Future” awards, presented by the Nation Soul Institute.
In a statement, the institute said the award recipients were selected and confirmed through a process developed by specialist advisers and mentors with substantial personal experience in creating social impact.
The statement said that 12 people were recognized across 10 categories in this year’s “One Possible Future” awards for their contributions to leadership, creativity, advocacy, and social impact.
Yaftali said the honor pays tribute to the courage and resilience of Afghan women and girls, who continue to advocate for their rights, dignity, freedom, and education despite profound challenges.
She dedicated the award to the women and girls of Afghanistan.
Yaftali added that Afghan women and girls inspire her ongoing commitment to justice, equality, and a future in which every woman and girl can learn, grow, and shape her own life.
Yaftali’s award comes as the de facto authorities have barred women and girls from education since taking control of Afghanistan. Most recently, they closed the doors of medical institutes to women and girls, even as the country’s health sector faces a shortage of personnel.
The authorities’ actions have left millions of girls unable to continue their education.
Women have also been barred from going to sports clubs, restaurants, and public baths; being examined by male doctors; travelling without a male guardian; and working for domestic and international non-governmental organizations, or even at UN offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if the ban remains in place, nearly four million girls could be deprived of education by 2030.
