Gisu Yari, a women’s rights activist and former commissioner of Afghanistan’s Administrative and Civil Service Reform Commission, has been awarded the “Recent Alumni Award” for 2025 from Columbia University.
Gisu Yari, who holds a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies, Gender, and Human Rights, received this award in recognition of her human rights efforts and civil activism on Monday, April 28, from the faculty of Columbia University.
The award was presented to Ms. Yari during a ceremony at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
In her speech, Ms. Yari stated that Afghanistan has been under gender apartheid for more than three and a half years.
She pointed out the severe restrictions imposed by the current interim government on the rights and freedoms of women and girls, stating that the current regime has initiated a systematic war against the women of the country.
She added that the current government has issued over 130 decrees depriving women of their freedoms, participation in society, dignity, and rights.
In her address, this women’s rights activist mentioned that women and girls in Afghanistan continue to speak out, resist, and document their experiences even in exile.
Ms. Yari emphasized that Afghan women and girls will no longer remain silent and cannot replace their values with comfort or ease.
She further noted that the work of women and girls and what is happening in Afghanistan is often overlooked.
Ms. Yari stressed that what is happening in Afghanistan should not be forgotten.
The Recent Alumni Award from Columbia University is given to students who have made outstanding contributions in defending human rights.
