The BBC has unveiled its 2024 list of 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide, celebrating individuals who exemplify resilience and make transformative contributions across various fields. Among the honorees are three extraordinary women from Afghanistan whose achievements underscore the perseverance and innovation of Afghan women, particularly those from the Hazara ethnic minority.
Elaha Soroor: A Voice for Justice Through Music
Elaha Soroor, an acclaimed singer and composer, has become a symbol of hope and defiance against the erasure of women’s voices under Taliban rule. Her stirring anthem, Naan, Kar, Azadi! (Bread, Work, Freedom!), premiered at the groundbreaking All Afghan Women Summit in Albania this October, embodying the struggle for women’s rights.
Soroor, from the Hazara community—an ethnic group that has faced systemic oppression in Afghanistan—first rose to prominence on Afghan Star in 2009. Her pursuit of music, however, provoked violent backlash, forcing her to flee the country in 2010. Now a globally recognized artist, Soroor continues to use her platform in film, theater, and music to champion justice and amplify the voices of marginalized women.
Hamida Aman: Bridging Educational Gaps for Girls in Afghanistan
Hamida Aman, a media entrepreneur, has transformed barriers into opportunities for girls in Afghanistan denied education under the Taliban. She founded the Begum Academy, an online platform that has delivered over 8,500 free multimedia educational videos in Dari and Pashto to students in grades seven through 12.
In March, Aman expanded her efforts with Begum TV, a satellite channel broadcasting these courses. Her earlier initiative, Radio Begum, created a vital space for Afghan women’s voices following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Through innovative use of media, Aman ensures girls and women in Afghanistan continue to access education, defying oppressive policies that seek to silence and suppress them.
Zakia Khudadadi: Breaking Barriers in Sports
Zakia Khudadadi made history as the first member of the Paralympic Refugee Team to win a medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Her achievement is a triumph for women in sports and a testament to her extraordinary determination.
Born without one forearm, Khudadadi secretly trained in taekwondo at the age of 11 in Herat, overcoming cultural and societal restrictions. After being barred from competing in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics due to the Taliban’s resurgence, she was evacuated with the help of the International Paralympic Committee and France. Her medal win in Paris cements her legacy as a trailblazer for women in Afghanistan, especially those from the Hazara minority, who face intersecting layers of oppression.
The stories of Soroor, Aman, and Khudadadi reflect the indomitable spirit of women in Afghanistan, particularly those from the Hazara community, who have risen above systemic discrimination and adversity. Their inclusion in the BBC’s 2024 list amplifies voices that have long been marginalized and highlights the power of courage and creativity in the face of oppression.
By showcasing these women’s achievements, the BBC emphasizes women’s critical role in fostering change, ensuring their stories inspire and empower future generations. This recognition is a call to action to stand in solidarity with women in Afghanistan and the Hazara people as they continue their fight for equality and justice.
