Nilofar Ayoubi is an Afghan women’s rights advocate, journalist, entrepreneur, and international public speaker based in Poland. A survivor of Taliban oppression, her activism began after a violent encounter with the group at an early age. Facing threats to her life and the risk of forced marriage, she spent much of her childhood disguised as a boy to access education and basic freedoms denied to girls under Taliban rule.
A recognized leader in civil society and humanitarian response, Nilofar coordinated food assistance for approximately 15,000 families in West Kabul during the COVID-19 pandemic. She later founded the Women’s Political Participation Network, bringing together women from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds to advance political representation, civic engagement, and women’s leadership across Afghanistan.
Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, she became one of the most prominent voices advocating for Afghan women’s rights and democratic freedoms. Forced into exile due to credible threats against her life, she was relocated to Poland through international intervention.
