Who is Nila?
Nila Ibrahimi, a fearless advocate for Afghan girls' rights, began her journey in March 2021 by protesting the Kabul Education Directorate's ban on schoolgirls singing in public. Her vocal activism, marked by a powerful song she recorded, inspired many girls to stand up for their education. Forced to leave Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover, Nila found refuge in Canada, where she continues her advocacy through her initiative, HerStory, and as a Global Ambassador for the 30 Birds Foundation.
Nila has spoken at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in 2023 and at TED Vancouver in 2024. Recognized by CNN's As Equals series, she remains dedicated to advocating for Afghan girls' rights, embodying the spirit of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
Dear WPGA Community,
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, my family and I sought refuge in Pakistan, where I endured nearly a year without access to education. Eventually, we found safety in Canada. This experience highlighted the profound impact of being denied the right to education. Today, it is an honor and privilege to study at WPGA, where I benefit from an exceptional education and am embraced by a community of compassionate and inspiring individuals. I am committed to learning, thriving, and giving back to the community that has welcomed me.
Despite the opportunities I have now, I cannot ignore the plight of Afghan women and girls who remain out of school under the Taliban regime, deprived of their fundamental right to education.
In response to this crisis, my brother and I co-founded the HerStory initiative. HerStory is a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Afghan women and girls, sharing their remarkable life stories and experiences with the world—stories that are too often unheard, untold, and unseen. What began as a small team of three has grown into a vibrant community of over 1,000 supporters on our website and social media.
As the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan remains dire, and as many continue to seek refuge abroad, HerStory is planning new initiatives to support those both in Afghanistan and those resettled in Canada and the US. To enhance our impact, efficiency, and transparency, we are in the process of registering HerStory as a non-profit in British Columbia, with long-term plans to become a registered charity at the federal level.
We invite you, your friends, and your networks to join us in this vital mission. We are seeking passionate, skilled, and dedicated individuals to serve as volunteer members of our Board of Directors or Advisory Board.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact, please get in touch with me at Nila.ibrahimi@herstory-af.org, and Murtaza at Murtaza.ibrahimi@herstory-af.org by June 20th.
Additionally, we welcome any other forms of support or collaboration that could help strengthen HerStory.
I appreciate your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact.
Sincerely,
Nila Ibrahimi
Co-Founder and President
HerStory