Dr. Sima Samar | Afghan Human Rights Advocate

#NexusTalkwithNila | Episode #4 | Season 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Y9mxbvtPU

Listen/Watch on Spotify

Dr. Sima Samar is one of Afghanistan's most beloved figures, known for her down-to-earth leadership, bravery, and honesty. Her life story, chronicled in her national bestseller Outspoken (co-written with Sally Armstrong), traces fifty years of Afghanistan’s history through her experiences as a student and doctor in places like Jaghori, Ghazni, Helmand, Kabul, and Quetta. She has historically stood up for women’s rights, even when it required personal sacrifice.

Dr. Samar's commitment to justice and human rights led her to significant roles in the Afghan government and the international community. She served as Minister of Women’s Affairs from 2001 to 2003 and was Deputy Chair of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan and Vice President of Afghanistan. Notably, she was the Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission from 2002 to 2019. Internationally, she also served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan.

Her tireless work has earned her widespread international recognition. She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and received the Right Livelihood Award in 2012. Additionally, she holds honorary degrees from institutions including Brown University, Carleton University, and Salem University.

In this conversation, Dr. Samar reflects on her experience as one of the very first Afghan women participating in politics and society post the Taliban's first era, fighting injustice, the factors behind the fall of the Afghan governments, the importance of learning about human rights, and many other topics that everyone can learn from.

NexusTalk with Nila, produced by HerStory Initiative Society, is hosted by Nila Ibrahimi, Co-Founder of HerStory and the 2024 winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize. The podcast is funded by the KidsRights Foundation.

Disclaimer:

NexusTalk with Nila is a platform for conversation, not instruction. The views shared by guests are personal and intended to spark reflection. They do not replace professional advice and do not necessarily represent the views of HerStory Initiative Society, its producers, or its affiliates.