Seventeen-year-old Nila Ibrahimi, originally from Afghanistan and now living in Canada, was awarded the prestigious KidsRights Prize on Tuesday for her outstanding advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan. Ibrahimi, who narrowly escaped the country after the Taliban regained control, joins a distinguished group of past winners, such as environmentalist Greta Thunberg and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.
The KidsRights Foundation presents the International Children’s Peace Prize each year to young people who have made significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
Nila Ibrahimi’s Advocacy for Afghan Women Nila’s dedication to gender equality and the rights of women in Afghanistan has made her a symbol of courage and resistance. Her activism started when she recorded a powerful protest song that quickly went viral, helping raise awareness about the struggles of Afghan women and girls under the Taliban regime. Despite being forced into exile, Ibrahimi continues to inspire others with her speeches and global advocacy. "I am fighting for the rights of girls and women in Afghanistan, who continue to face unimaginable challenges under the Taliban’s rule," she said at the award ceremony in Amsterdam.
The Struggles of Afghan Women Under Taliban Rule Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan again in August 2021, women’s rights have been severely restricted. Girls are banned from studying beyond primary school, and women are prohibited from visiting parks, gyms, or beauty salons. They must also have a male guardian accompany them whenever they leave their homes. A new morality law has further limited women’s freedom of expression. The United Nations has condemned these actions as “gender apartheid,” but the Taliban government has dismissed such concerns, calling them “unfounded” and part of “propaganda.”
Giving a Voice to Afghan Women Ibrahimi’s advocacy extends far beyond Afghanistan. Witnessing the harsh impact of the Taliban’s policies, she now uses her platform to amplify the voices of Afghan women. "Winning the International Children’s Peace Prize will mean that the voices of Afghan women and girls will echo across the world," she said. Ibrahimi also expressed her ongoing concern for those still in Afghanistan. "While I feel safer in my new home, every single day I think of those girls left behind in Afghanistan," she shared at a human rights summit in Geneva last year.
Recognizing Ibrahimi’s Courageous Leadership Ibrahimi’s tireless work was recognized from among 165 nominees from 47 countries. The award was presented by Tawakkol Karman, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and Yemeni journalist known for her own activism. The KidsRights Prize honors Ibrahimi’s resilience and commitment, while also shining a spotlight on the dire conditions Afghan women and girls face under Taliban rule. Through her unwavering determination, Ibrahimi continues to offer hope for justice and equality for all.
Bob Woodward Slams Trump’s Cabinet Picks, Calls Them "Disrespectful" to the American People