
Niloufar Ayoubi
Brief info
Nilofar Ayoubi is an Afghan women’s and human rights defender who shares her story of resilience and survival. During her childhood, she dressed as a boy to access education in Afghanistan. Now, she is a public speaker and activist for gender equality.
Nilofar’s activism began following a violent encounter with the Taliban at a young age. To protect herself and avoid forced marriage, she was disguised as a boy for most of her childhood to safely attend school. During university, she engaged in journalism and championed women’s rights. Despite threats after marrying a prominent Hazara diplomat, she founded multiple businesses in Afghanistan, creating jobs for hundreds of women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nilofar distributed food aid to 15,000 families in West Kabul. She founded the Women’s Political Participation Network to unite women in advocating for their political rights. Her family survived a violent attack in 2020. When the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Nilofar became a high-profile target. Awaiting relocation, she said, "I am waiting for my death." She was prioritized for urgent relocation to Poland, where she now has Temporary Residency status.
As the Regional Secretary for Middle & North Africa in World Liberty, she works against authoritarianism and advocates for justice in the region. She is a founding partner of organizations in Poland “ Humanosh” and USA, “ Humanosh. USA ”involved in aid delivery and medical evacuation in Ukraine and Afghanistan. She runs shelters for refugees from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Belarus in Poland.