Lamar Zala Gran is the founder and president of Empowering Afghan Women (EAW), a nonprofit organization serving young Afghan women by providing them with online classes and educational resources to thrive and acquire essential knowledge for their future careers, amidst the Taliban ban on girls over the age of 12 from attending school. Lamar is an education, women's rights, and youth activist and student at Berea College in Kentucky in the United States where she continues to expand her knowledge and skills to serve her mission better.
Lamar grew up in Kabul, where she witnessed firsthand the obstacles that hindered access to education, including poverty, cultural norms, and security concerns. Her journey as an activist is deeply rooted in her dedication to education rights, especially for Afghan girls and women. Since the fall of Kabul in 2021, she has been actively raising awareness about the situation of women in Afghanistan and has met with figures such as Hillary Clinton and the U.S. Ambassador in Doha. In her spare time, Lamar finds solace in cooking Afghan dishes, exploring music, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking.
In her conversation with HerStory's Communications Manager, Sahar Maqsoodi, Zala offers an engaging look into how her activism began, sharing her personal experiences, her driving passions, and her hopes for the future.
Maqsoodi: Please briefly introduce Lamar to us.
Gran: I was raised in an educated family in Kabul, Afghanistan. I graduated from high school there and then enrolled at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF). Currently, I am running EAW and am a first-year political science student at Berea College in Kentucky. For the past four years at EAW, we have been teaching English to young women. However, due to the Taliban takeover, we shifted to online classes covering subjects like English, computer skills, math, and various workshops on capacity building and leadership. We aim to equip them with essential knowledge for their future careers, especially amidst the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.
Maqsoodi: You are a women's rights activist, and your activities on social media speak to that. Please tell us a little about your journey in activism and how it started.
Gran: I started my activism journey as an education rights activist, which has been challenging in Afghanistan's current situation. Being a female activist is often considered taboo in our society. When I founded my nonprofit, I researched the educational challenges faced by girls and women, including poverty, full-time labor, child marriage, and security concerns, all leading to high dropout rates. During the republican government, literacy rates were higher, but now they're declining, exacerbated by factors like menstrual taboos. Personal experiences, such as losing my right to education under the Taliban, fueled my activism. Because I was a woman, I felt the impact when the Taliban took over, stripping away our rights to education and freedom of speech. We were forced into hiding, and our achievements vanished overnight. This forced me to speak up, and activism helped me share my story and lighten the burden of women's experiences. This is how I show the world what's happening in Afghanistan. I'm committed to bringing policy reforms and ensuring Afghan women aren't forgotten amidst global conflicts.
Lamar started empowering Afghan women, facing challenges such as lack of resources, recruitment, and resistance from pro-Taliban elements. Despite personal struggles, Lamar remained committed to education, providing learning opportunities for Afghan women. She relocated from Afghanistan to Qatar and then to the United States, balancing work, academics, and activism. Despite the emotional and physical toll, Lamar remained steadfast in her commitment to education, demonstrating resilience and determination in her journey.
Maqsoodi: What inspired you to become a women’s rights activist for Afghan women, particularly focusing on their right to education?
Gran: My activism is inspired by my personal experience and the plight of Afghan women. In seventh grade, economic struggles limited my access to education. I couldn't afford tuition classes, and opportunities were scarce. Moreover, even with resources in the US, I can never forget those in need back home. I urge fellow youth and Afghan nationals to unite for this cause. My motivation comes from the injustices my people face. My own experiences fueled my determination to create change. I established Empowering Afghan Women to provide free education and advocate for women's rights. My love for my country and its people drives me forward.
Maqsoodi: Let's move out a bit from your activism journey and explore your personal life. Tell us about your family and the environment you grew up in. What values and traditions were important to your family when you started going to university or when you began your work?
Gran: My mother graduated from Kabul University and later became a high school teacher for over 20 years, while my father was a writer and activist. Their influence sparked my journey into activism and education. They supported me immensely, even sending me abroad for education in 2022. When I left Afghanistan, my father accompanied me to the border, a bittersweet moment for both of us. Their pride in my achievements has been constant, whether getting a scholarship to Berea College or pursuing further education in the United States. I have two educated brothers who also value higher education. Our family places great importance on knowledge, education, and progress, instilling in us a love for our country despite our refugee status. I am passionate about activism, constantly seeking new opportunities to make a difference. I work at the Center for International Education while studying political science. I plan to minor in law, peace, social justice, or economics, reflecting my diverse interests. My family's liberal and modern values have always supported my endeavors, from attending the American University of Afghanistan to pursuing education in Qatar and the United States. Their firm support has been priceless throughout my journey.
Lamar enjoys a variety of hobbies that bring joy and relaxation to her life. One of her favorite hobbies is cooking, particularly preparing Afghan dishes, which she delights in sharing with friends from diverse backgrounds. In her alone time, Lamar finds peace in music. She is considering taking music classes to learn how to play instruments like the piano, guitar, or violin. Lamar also enjoys hiking, especially during the fall season, immersing herself in the beauty of nature. Additionally, she is interested in watching Korean dramas and movies related to politics and the court system. Hanging out with friends and playing card games like Mafia are activities that Lamar finds both enjoyable and relaxing.
Maqsoodi: What personal quality or aspect of yourself are you exceptionally proud of, beyond your achievements and activities? Additionally, is there someone in your life whom you admire the most? If so, why?
Gran: Well, honestly, I'm very proud of my resilience. Despite facing challenges or criticism, I am highly tolerant and can quickly move on. My confidence is another aspect I take pride in. I'm not overly confident, but I'm confident in expressing my thoughts and opinions on various topics. Additionally, I'm proud of my determination. Even if I fail multiple times, I continue to give my best effort because I'm stubborn and don't give up easily. As for someone I admire most, it's difficult to choose just one person. Many individuals have influenced me differently, but if I had to pick one, it would be my parents. They have constantly supported and inspired me to pursue my dreams and always believe in me. Their resilience, kindness, and unwavering love have shaped me into who I am today. However, my mother is one person I am grateful for having her. She's a strong woman, navigating the challenges of this world with remarkable resilience. I've come to understand that being a woman requires patience, especially in the Afghan society with traditional taboos and diverse expectations. Despite these hurdles, my mother has courageously juggled work, provided for our family, and ensured the education of her three children.
Maqsoodi: That is brilliant. Living abroad can be challenging and stressful. What is the one thing that keeps you motivated when you feel exhausted or disappointed? If you had to mention only one thing.
Gran: The one thing that keeps me motivated is to reunite with my family because it has been two years since I have been away from them. During this time, I've encountered rough treatment and discrimination from some people. However, the prospect of seeing my family again in the future is what drives me to study hard and work towards making something of myself. Their love and support inspire me to persevere and succeed, ultimately aiming to contribute to their well-being and happiness.
"I know the time is tough, but I am sure you all can get through it. This time will pass. All those beautiful moments that we used to have will eventually come back. Stay brave! Don't lose your courage and hope."