Nov 24, 2024
Vancouver, BC (November 24, 2024): Nila Ibrahimi, a 17-year-old Afghan activist and Co-Founder of HerStory, has been honored with the International Children’s Peace Prize at a landmark ceremony marking the award’s 20th anniversary in Amsterdam. The accolade recognizes Nila’s extraordinary advocacy for the rights of Afghan girls and her role as a global voice for change.
Nila received the award from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman during a prestigious event attended by global dignitaries, including Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands and representatives from leading international organizations. Competing against 165 nominees from 47 countries, Nila emerged as a beacon of hope, celebrated for her courage, leadership, and vision.
A Voice for Afghan Girls
Nila’s journey began in Afghanistan, where she spearheaded a singing protest movement to challenge the oppressive bans imposed on women and girls. She co-founded HerStory, a storytelling initiative that provides Afghan girls with a platform to share their experiences, amplifying their voices worldwide.
Through HerStory, Nila has highlighted the resilience and potential of Afghan girls, both within and beyond Afghanistan. Her advocacy extends to global platforms, where she continues to campaign for the restoration of education rights for Afghan girls, who have been severely impacted by discriminatory policies.
“Winning the International Children’s Peace Prize means the voices of Afghan women and girls will echo across the world,” Nila said. “We must all continue to give them strength and hope in the darkest of times.”
A Powerful Message to the World
The ceremony reached millions through a global livestream, with public screenings held in major cities like London, New York, Tokyo, and Stockholm. In a moving moment, Nila led a global singalong of her protest song, joined by girls from four continents. The performance underscored her message of solidarity and hope, ensuring that the voices of Afghan girls resonate across borders.
HerStory’s mission to empower Afghan girls through storytelling and advocacy has now gained international recognition. Nila’s work is a reminder of the transformative power of youth-driven initiatives in addressing injustice and creating a better future.
KidsRights: Press Release
Read More:
CNN: Afghan girl who encouraged others to sing wins children’s peace prize
BBC: 'Don't forget us': Teenage refugee reminds Gen Z of silenced Afghan girls
The Independent: ‘If we suffer, the world suffers’: Singing teenager who gave Afghan women a voice wins Children’s Peace Prize
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