Once again, we are facing yet another dark moment in history, this time in Afghanistan. Afghanistan hasn’t always been the most forward-thinking country and women’s rights have been the centre of debates and conflict for over a century. With the rise of every new government, rules would change, at times trying to improve and defend women’s rights and at other times trying to obliterate them. The worst came in the 1990s when the Taliban took over. All their rights were taken away. They could no longer work, speak in public, go to school, and could only leave their houses if escorted by a man.

They were also forced to use burkas and were completely excluded from political life. 20 years ago, with the fall of the Taliban, women were able to regain their lives, their liberties, and their rights. However, with the rise of the new Taliban government, great fear is spreading over the future of women under this regime. So, is it all lost?
Fortunately, there is a silver lining, her name is Mahbouba Seraj.

Born in Kabul into the royal lineage, Mahbouba Seraj is not only a renowned journalist but also one of the most important women’s rights advocates in the world. As a teenager, she studied at Malalai High School for girls in Kabul and then proceeded to get her degree at Kabul University. In 1978 there was a coup that led to the death of the
Daud Khan, prime minister at the time, and the rise of the communist regime. During this period, Seraj along with her husband were put in prison and then declared persona non grata. Immediately after, they fled to the U.S.A where they lived in exile for around 26 years. After the fall of the Taliban in 2001, she returned to her homeland.

Soon after returning to Afghanistan in 2003, she began working in pro of women’s and children’s rights, liberties and education and has been doing so ever since. Her list of achievements and immeasurable. She created and served as the announcer of a radio program for women that was broadcast all over Afghanistan. Later, Women’s Listening Circles were established in villages, where women would gather and discuss the different topics tackled in the radio programs. Seraj has also advocated relentlessly for Women’s rights, pushing for women’s participation in Peace Jirga, as well as in the High Peace Council. She along with other women advocates are credited for raising women participation at the 2011 BONN conference and 2012 Tokyo Conference on” Afghanistan after 2014.”

As if all these accomplishments weren’t sufficient, she is also the founder and President of the “Organization for Research in peace and Solidarity” or ORPS aimed at creating discussion amongst the young people and doing research and surveys about the meaning of Peace and Solidarity in almost all provinces of Afghanistan. When Seraj moved back to Afghanistan, less than 10% of girls were enrolled in Elementary school, therefore heightening her interest in education which has led her consultancy projects to produce two studies on Girls Participation in Higher Education and most recently co-produced a study on Tertiary Education for Afghan Women. Even with so many responsibilities she still managed to take on yet another role, this time as a writer. Sejah has a bi-line with The Huffington Post and co-authors with Ms. Anne Jones for Tom Dispatch where she writes about the political situation in Afghanistan as well as central and Southeast Asia.

With so many achievements it’s no wonder she has been placed on the list of the 100 most influential people of 2021 according to Times magazine. Seraj has been an inspiration for women all over the world but right now she serves as more than just inspiration, she represents hope for the millions of Afghan women who are currently residing in Afghanistan. Many have pleaded for her to leave, but she has remained adamant in her decision to stay in Afghanistan and take on the Taliban head on. There is no shying away from this fight, it’s now or never.