Two Afghan girls have been awarded the prestigious Diana Award 2024 for their efforts to champion girls’ education in Afghanistan, a cause increasingly under threat under Taliban rule.
Robina Azizi, the founder of Path of Change, and Muzhda Akbari, the founder of CoodGreenAfg.org, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to promoting education for Afghan girls amid sweeping bans on female education in the country. The award, named in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, celebrates the impact of young leaders driving positive change globally.
Ms. Azizi, an education activist forced to flee Afghanistan in 2023, established Path of Change to advocate for Afghan girls denied access to education. Her organization has inspired thousands globally while launching campaigns to call for the reopening of schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan.
“The Girls on the Path of Change movement is a testament to the leadership and dedication of countless volunteers who share our mission,” Ms. Azizi said.
Ms. Akbari, who leads CoodGreenAfg.org, dedicated her award to the women of Afghanistan. “This award is not just for me—it’s for all the girls I fight for, for my incredible team members, and for everyone who has supported me on this journey,” she wrote on Instagram. “I dedicate this honor to the resilient women of Afghanistan, who continue to inspire me every day.”
A Symbol of Resistance
The recognition comes at a time when the Taliban have shuttered schools for girls above sixth grade and banned female students from universities, effectively erasing opportunities for education for millions of Afghan women.
