Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement
About Us
The Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement is an independent human rights organization dedicated to defending women’s rights and fighting against gender discrimination.
Our Story
This movement was founded after the events of August 15, 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan and imposed severe restrictions on women and civil activists.
Our Mission and Goals
We strive to build a free, aware, and independent society.
Our mission is to:
· Defend the rights of Afghan women
· Combat gender discrimination
· Empower women to achieve their social, economic, and political rights
We work on both national and international levels to be the voice of Afghan women and push for lasting change.
Our Activities
1. Advocacy and Awareness
· Defending women’s rights to education, work, and political participation in Afghanistan
· Advocating for the abolition of discriminatory laws and restrictions against women
· Raising awareness about women’s rights through media, conferences, and social networks
2. Fighting Violence and Gender Discrimination
· Combating structural violence and supporting survivors
· Working to reform laws and policies that marginalize women
· Empowering women to stand up for their rights and fight discrimination
3. Women’s Empowerment and Support
· Organizing educational programs on rights, economics, and health
· Conducting skills training workshops to boost women’s economic independence
· Providing counseling and psychological support for women facing violence and discrimination
4. International Cooperation and Advocacy
· Collaborating with global human rights organizations
· Participating in international summits to advocate for Afghan women’s rights
· Gaining global support to improve the situation of women in Afghanistan
Our Achievements
Since its establishment, the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement has made significant strides, including:
· Launching international campaigns to raise global awareness and support for Afghan women
· Participating in UN and human rights conferences to voice Afghan women’s demands
· Implementing training and support programs that have helped dozens of Afghan women gain awareness, empowerment, and social participation
· Collaborating with human rights organizations to document violations and seek justice
· Building a network of women activists to exchange experiences and strengthen their societal roles
· Expanding humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Norway
How You Can Join Us
· Become a member: Join us if you support Afghan women’s rights
· Financial & Media Support: Help by donating or amplifying Afghan women’s voices
· Organizational Collaboration: We welcome partnerships with international organizations, media, and human rights institutions
Email: info@af-wjm.org
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MANAGEMENT BOARD
Hoda Khamosh
Writer, Poet, and Prominent Women’s Rights Activist
Hoda Khamosh, born in 1996 in Isfahan, Iran, is one of the prominent figures in the realm of protest literature and modern women’s movements in Afghanistan. Educated in Persian language and literature, she became involved in media and civil activism during her student years, simultaneously creating bold literary works. Her books “I Kiss You” and “Virginity Lost” are not only significant from a literary perspective but also represent a cultural struggle against gender taboos and the control over women’s bodies.
After the fall of the Republic and the return of the Taliban to power, Hoda Khamosh became one of the well-known figures of civil resistance by actively participating in street protests. She brought the voice of Afghan women to international forums, representing the protesters at the Oslo Conference. Time Magazine, BBC, and Amnesty International Norway are among the organizations that have recognized her efforts. Khamosh is currently in exile but continues her struggle through media, cultural, and organizational activities and is one of the founders of the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement.
Shahla Arefi
Gender Specialist and Veteran Activist in Government and Civil Institutions
Shahla Arifi, from Kabul, with a university degree in Persian language and literature and a Master’s in Gender and Women’s Studies, is a prominent academic and executive figure in defending women’s rights. Her work history at the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, particularly in areas such as girls’ education and enhancing cultural capacities, stands as a testament to her commitment and managerial skills in policy-making and education.
Currently, as a senior member of the leadership team of the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement, she aims to apply her structural experience in designing and implementing strategic programs to empower migrant women, those who have been deprived of education, and victims of gender-based violence.
Fatima Etimadi
Social Activist, Sports Trainer, and Lawyer
Fatima Etimadi, born in Ghazni province and a graduate in law with a Master’s degree, is one of the multidimensional women who has actively participated in education, sports, culture, and civil society. Her experience in the national karate team and her efforts in training girls in this sport highlight her purposeful attempt to break the restrictive gender role patterns in Afghanistan’s traditional society.
She is one of the women who, after the Taliban’s takeover, chose protest and visible activism over isolation and silent migration. Her presence in the early ranks of the movement reflects the deep connection between sports, bodily awareness, and the fight for women’s fundamental freedoms.
Rahila Talash (Ansari)
Journalist, Human Rights Activist, and Director of Youth Organizations
Rahila Talash, born in Mazar-e-Sharif and a graduate in law and political science from Kabul University, began her career as a journalist and educator. During her student years, she was actively involved in youth movements and civil activities, and after the events of August 2021, she took a bold and outspoken stand against the Taliban.
She is currently the Deputy Director of the Northern Afghanistan Youth Organization and, alongside her media work, plays a key role in the women’s justice movement, focusing on empowering young girls. Talash, while being the voice for marginalized women, serves as a model for the connection between media, politics, and social activism.