
Freek Vermeulen
Freek Vermeulen is an Associate Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at the London Business School, where he teaches on... Read More
Economist, Human Rights Activist and Politician
Zarifa Ghafari, Afghanistan’s youngest female mayor at the age of 24, is celebrated for her relentless dedication to defend women’s rights in her country. Her remarkable contributions have earned her not only worldwide acclaim but also prestigious honours, including “International Women of Courage Award” in 2020 and the “International Women’s Rights Award” in 2022.
“Famous for her advocacy for women’s rights in Afghanistan.”
Zarifa’s historic appointment as Mayor in July 2018 was met with a nine-month delay, marked by local protests and threats fuelled by her age and gender. Despite these challenges, she bravely assumed her mayoral duties, facing relentless threats from the Taliban and ISIL, she survived three assassination attempts. Her advocacy extended to condemning the Taliban for her father’s tragic death in November 2020. Notably, she initiated an anti-litter campaign and made a poignant appeal to then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to safeguard women’s rights during the uncertain period of Taliban-US negotiations. In the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan’s government in mid-August 2021, Zarifa, accompanied by her husband, mother and five sisters, fled the country. She was granted asylum by the German government. Her remarkable journey and resilience garnered international attention, leading to the release of a Netflix documentary about her life in 2022.
In her lectures, Zarifa shares her insights about the political situation in Afghanistan and explains why her mission to help women and people live free lives is so vital.
Curious about what this speaker or our other experts can bring to your next event? We’re here to help you find the perfect fit to inspire, inform, and engage your audience.
Give us a call on +44 (0)1628 601 400 or send us an email to hello@speakers.co.uk to find out how we can help make your event an outstanding success.
Please contact us for information on speaker fees and booking availability.
Ready to secure an exceptional speaker for your upcoming event? Our booking process is designed to be simple and efficient, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Simply phone or email us to take the next step. Let’s make your event a success together.
Our consultants have the expertise and knowledge to find your perfect speaker and make your vision a reality.
"*" indicates required fields
Talk to our consultants on +44 (0)1628 601 400
Email us on hello@speakers.co.uk
"*" indicates required fields