Zubaida Akbar is a leading women’s rights and civil society activist from Afghanistan. She has over a decade of experience working inside Afghanistan to promote equality. Her work is focused on supporting the work of grassroots civic movements, women’s initiatives, and women human rights defenders, who are advocating for gender equality and an end to the draconian policies of the Taliban imposed on women.
Zubaida conducts and leads research projects on the situation of women and women’s groups in Afghanistan, implements training and capacity-building efforts, organizes south-south exchanges and learning opportunities between Afghan WHRDs and their counterparts regionally, and conducts advocacy with UN, Governments, and INGOs. In March 2023, she briefed the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan, specifically the situation of women civic actors and marginalized ethnic and religious groups.
“She is steadfast in her commitment to elevate and amplify the voices and perspectives of the unsung ‘sheros’ in Afghanistan, using every opportunity to reflect their concerns, interview activists and present their perspectives in international events, and campaigns, including at the UN, and even during her speech at the UN Security Council.”
— Sussan Tahmasebi, Executive Director, Femena
She also provides support to at-risk or threatened WHRDs, journalists and other marginalized Afghans by publicizing their cases and helping them seek urgent financial support or access relocation programs. Prior to her role at Femena, Zubaida worked for over a decade inside Afghanistan and internationally to promote equality, women’s and children’s rights, and democracy.
Her professional experience includes working with a number of international organizations inside and outside of Afghanistan as a communications, campaign, and advocacy expert. Zubaida is currently based in the US, where she has lived since 2018.
“Just like Amel, she is a tireless opponent of religious fundamentalism and the terrible restrictions it seeks to place on women’s equality and agency.”
– Karima Bennoune, 2016 Rights and Leadership Awardee
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