Episode 37: Stolen Dreams: How the Taliban is Threatening Women’s Futures in Afghanistan. A discussion with Mursal Rahim & Zarifa Ghafari

In this powerful dialogue, Mursal Rahim and Zarifa Ghafari reflect on the Taliban’s ban on female education, providing insight into its implementation, the broader political context, and their personal reactions. They explore the devastating impacts on Afghan women and girls, and consider the long-term consequences for gender equality, poverty, and mental health in Afghanistan. Together, they offer words of hope for Afghan girls, while advocating for global awareness and action to support the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Zarifa Ghafari is an accomplished Afghan leader dedicated to empowering women and advocating for social justice in Afghanistan. Holding a Master’s in Business Administration, her professional experience includes serving as Mayor of Maidan Wardag Province, Director of the Support Department for Families of Martyrs, and General Manager of Assistance and Promotion for Afghan Women. Zarifa founded Peghla Radio to amplify women’s voices and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the International Women of Courage Award. Her life story is chronicled in the memoir book “ZARIFA – A Woman’s Battle In A Man’s World” and she was featured in the Netflix documentary “In Her Hands” which explores her courageous journey. Currently, Zarifa is pursuing a second Master’s degree at Cornell University, further expanding her educational achievements.

Mursal Rahim is a Master of Public Administration student at Cornell University’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, concentrating on Human Rights and Social Justice. With a Bachelor of Laws from Afghanistan, she has dedicated her career to advancing justice, advocacy, and empowering marginalized communities. Her professional experiences include supporting refugee resettlement, legal services, and community volunteer work through organizations such as Ithaca Welcoming Refugees and the Afghan Refugee Community Organization. During her time in the United States, she has used her expertise to assist families in accessing resources and rebuilding their lives. While interning with the United Nations Dispute Tribunal, she contributed to legal case management, process improvement, and the enhancement of tribunal practices, collaborating with legal professionals across international offices. In Afghanistan, she worked as a legal assistant, educator, and gender equality advocate, reflecting her commitment to creating meaningful change. She aspires to leverage her education and experiences to advance human rights and social justice on a global scale.