Meeting Aziza Akrami, The Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations 2025

In a recent discussion with Aziza Akrami, the newly elected Afghan Youth Representative to the United Nations 2025, Gender Concerns International explored the urgent realities facing women and young people in Afghanistan today. Akrami, a strong advocate for Afghan voices on the international stage, is determined to ensure that the concerns of Afghanistan’s youth, particularly those from small communities, are heard by the global community.

Reflecting on the return of the Taliban in 2021, Akrami spoke about the resilience and courage of Afghan women, noting that they were the first to protest the imposed restrictions despite grave security threats. Even as public demonstrations have become life-threatening, Afghan women continue to raise their voices through digital platforms, demonstrating extraordinary resolve in the face of repression.

As the world prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security in October, Akrami recognised its historical significance in advancing women’s political participation. However, she stressed that the current crisis in Afghanistan demands brave and effective actions, beyond symbolic commitments, to protect the fundamental rights of women and girls.

“Afghanistan must be recognised as a shared problem,” Akrami urged, emphasizing that the fight for Afghan women’s rights is inseparable from the broader global struggle against gender backlash. She called for the international community to maintain focus on Afghanistan and to continue championing the rights of women and girls despite growing global adversity.

Through this inspiring conversation, Gender Concerns International echoes Ms. Akrami’s message to the international community: peace, dignity, and equality in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without empowering its women and youth. The world must act collectively to ensure that their courage continues to inspire meaningful change.