We are thrilled to welcome Nila Ibrahimi as an honorary guest at this year’s HER Gala! Nila’s inspiring journey and powerful advocacy for Afghan women and girls embody the spirit of resilience and hope that drives Women for Afghan Women’s mission. Her voice and leadership remind us of the power of investing in HER to create lasting change.
Nila’s Story
Nila Ibrahimi is a fearless advocate for the rights of Afghan girls and a global voice for displaced youth. At just 13 years old, she discovered the power of her voice when the Kabul Education Directorate issued a discriminatory ban preventing schoolgirls over the age of 12 from singing in public. Refusing to be silenced, Nila recorded herself singing a protest song that celebrated education and courage. Her video quickly went viral, inspiring thousands of Afghan girls and forcing the government to reverse the order within three weeks. This act of defiance marked the beginning of her journey as a changemaker.
Her life took a dramatic turn in August 2021 when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. As a Hazara girl and outspoken activist, Nila and her family were at risk. With the support of the 30 Birds Foundation, they fled the country by land, navigating dangerous Taliban checkpoints before seeking refuge in Pakistan. After a year in hiding, they were resettled in Canada, where Nila continued her education.
Since arriving in Canada, Nila has emerged as one of the most powerful youth voices for Afghan girls’ education on the global stage. She has spoken at leading forums, including the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, the UK House of Lords, and TED Vancouver. In 2024, she was honored as a winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize and recognized by CNN’s “As Equals” series for her leadership and activism.
Nila is the co-founder of Her Story, a storytelling initiative that provides a safe, supportive platform for Afghan girls to share their experiences. Through Her Story, she highlights the strength, resilience, and brilliance of girls inside and outside of Afghanistan who continue to fight for their right to education under impossible conditions.
Her message to the world is clear: “There are millions of girls who have been displaced, along with those in Afghanistan who have no access to education or resources, yet they persist in their struggles. They have not given up. This resilience is what I want to highlight about Afghan girls, it’s what deserves support, appreciation, and attention.”
Let’s celebrate the power and resilience of Afghan women and girls together at the HER Gala.
