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By Wakeel Attock Zarghuna Wali, a prominent Afghan activist and author, has dedicated her life to empowering Afghan women and advocating for peace. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, has made her a leading figure in the Afghan diaspora. As a journalist, author, and community leader, Wali has spent decades advocating for justice, equality, and progress for Afghans, both in her homeland and among the diaspora. Her journey from Kabul to Germany, marked by profound challenges and remarkable achievements, has positioned her as a leading voice in the Afghan diaspora, amplifying the struggles and aspirations of Afghan women on the global stage. Wali’s activism began early in life. Growing up in Afghanistan, she bore witness to the pervasive violence and systemic barriers faced by women, experiences that ignited her passion for change. At just a sixth-grader, she began teaching literacy to women in her neighbourhood, initiating a grassroots movement for education and empowerment. Despite societal and political obstacles, her efforts inspired hope and progress. Her home became an informal school where women gathered to learn, and over time, her work garnered support even from skeptics. “Many men initially resisted, but they later supported the initiative when they saw how literacy brought financial independence and confidence to their wives and daughters,” Wali recalls. In the 1980s, Wali ascended to leadership roles within the Afghan Communist Party, where she focused on initiatives to empower women. Her academic path initially led her to engineering at Kabul University, but personal reasons prompted a shift to pedagogy. Through it all, her dedication to education and activism remained steadfast, even as she navigated a volatile political landscape and mounting personal risks. The rise of the Taliban in the 1990s forced Wali to flee Afghanistan, leaving behind her life in Kabul. By 2000, she resettled in Germany, bringing her passion for advocacy with her. In her new home, Wali quickly became a prominent figure in the Afghan diaspora, championing the rights of refugees and women. Her extensive experience led her to opportunities in journalism and community development. Among her notable achievements was co-founding Bahar TV, a platform dedicated to addressing Afghan issues, with a particular focus on women’s rights. Wali’s activism extended into politics. In 2018, she ran for a seat in Afghanistan’s parliament, driven by a desire to help shape her homeland’s future. While she did not win, her campaign underscored her unwavering commitment to tackling corruption, advocating for women’s rights, and promoting peace. Reflecting on Afghanistan’s current struggles under Taliban rule, she notes: “The root of these challenges lies in the failure of past governments to foster democracy and inclusivity.” Her activism took a global dimension during the Doha talks between the U.S. and the Taliban. Wali led diaspora demonstrations demanding the inclusion of Afghan women in peace negotiations. “Peace talks are essential to preventing further loss and suffering,” she said in an interview with ADN. “No mother should mourn her child, no woman should lose her husband, and no child should grow up as an orphan. War is never the answer. Decades of conflict have only brought destruction, not progress.” As an author, Wali has published six books, each offering profound insights into Afghan society and politics. Her most recent work, Ways Out of Crisis in Afghanistan, presents actionable solutions for addressing the country’s complex challenges. It emphasizes her firm belief in dialogue and negotiation as the most effective tools for achieving peace. She says war is not and has never been the answer. The devastating toll of conflict is borne disproportionately by women, who lose their sons, husbands, and fathers. Wali also highlights the critical role of media in advocacy and representation. She views it as an essential tool for raising awareness about the plight of Afghan women and addressing systemic injustices. Yet, she laments the Taliban’s erasure of women from Afghan media, silencing a powerful avenue for change. Despite these challenges, Wali remains optimistic about the future. She urges Afghan leaders, including the Taliban, to prioritize inclusivity and democratic principles, ensuring a better future for all Afghans. Her vision for Afghanistan is one of democracy, where youth contribute to their homeland’s development, and women reclaim their rightful place in society. As she concludes: “I stand firmly against war. Dialogue and negotiation are the only paths to resolving Afghanistan’s crisis and building a future of peace and harmony.” Afghan poet and political analyst Wakeel Attock previously served as the director of culture for the eastern provinces of Laghman and Nooristan. Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.
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