KABUL, Afghanistan — Neela Ibrahimi, a 17-year-old Afghan advocate for girls’ rights and education, has been awarded the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize.
Ibrahimi received the award on Tuesday for her efforts to champion the rights of Afghan girls and campaign for children’s education. The prize, previously awarded to prominent figures such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and education advocate Malala Yousafzai, recognizes exceptional contributions to children’s rights and welfare.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, girls above grade six have been barred from attending school. Ibrahimi’s campaign, I Am My Own Voice, quickly gained prominence as she became a vocal advocate for girls’ education.
In a video message shared by CNN, Ibrahimi reflected on her journey: “It was the first time I told myself, ‘Wow, if I want to, if I think this is the way I want to live, I can speak up, and it can be accepted.’”
Journey and continued advocacy
With the help of an organization, Ibrahimi and her family left Afghanistan, initially relocating to Pakistan and eventually settling in Canada, where she continues to advocate for Afghan girls.
Ibrahimi is also a co-founder of Her Story Is Woman, a project aimed at encouraging Afghan girls to share their stories and amplifying the voices of those who remain in Afghanistan under oppressive conditions.
