17-Year-Old Nila Ibrahimi Wins International Children’s Peace Prize for Defending Afghan Girls’ Rights

In Amsterdam, Nila Ibrahimi, a 17-year-old Afghan refugee residing in Canada, was awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize. The recognition, given by KidsRights and presented by Yemeni Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman, highlighted Nila’s relentless advocacy for Afghan girls under Taliban rule. Competing against 165 nominees from 47 countries, Nila’s work stood out for its courage and impact. 

Nila’s activism began in 2021 when she was just 13 years old. In response to a directive from Afghanistan's Kabul Education Directorate banning girls over the age of 12 from singing publicly, she recorded a protest song that went viral as part of the #IAmMySong campaign. 

The pressure led authorities to overturn the ban within weeks. Reflecting on this moment, Nila stated, “That was the first time that I thought, wow. Like if I do want it, if I do think this is the way I want to live, I can speak up, and that can be accepted.” 

Nila lifts her prize after winning the KidsRights International Children's Peace

Her activism took a more urgent turn after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021. The group imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education, public speech, and even singing within their homes.

The Taliban’s actions have been condemned internationally, with countries like Germany and Canada accusing the group of violating the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. However, the Taliban has dismissed these accusations, with a spokesperson stating, “Human rights are protected in Afghanistan, and no one is discriminated (against).”

In the wake of the Taliban's takeover, Nila and her family fled to Pakistan before resettling in Canada. Despite being in safety, she continued her work, co-founding "Her Story," a platform that allows Afghan girls to share their experiences. 

Nila addresses the 15th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy

Speaking about her motivation, Nila said, “Every single day I think of those girls who are left behind in Afghanistan, left with no hope. In Canada, I make decisions about my life and embrace the person I aspire to be, but what about them?” 

Her dedication was also evident when she raised $4 million for the 30 Birds Foundation, helping evacuate 200 Afghan girls to safety. Reflecting on her journey, Nila emphasized the importance of global awareness, noting, “If women’s rights are suffering in one part of the world, the whole world will suffer in one way or another.” 

The award ceremony featured a global singalong of her protest song, uniting girls from various countries in solidarity. Marc Dullaert, founder of KidsRights, lauded her resilience, saying, “She could have thought, 'Well, I’m safe now, and I’m focusing on my own life,’ but [she had] the selflessness to keep on advocating for Afghan girls.”

Despite being thousands of miles away from Afghanistan, Nila remains deeply connected to the struggle. “The girls of Afghanistan and their resilience are my source of motivation. They’re still holding onto that sense of hope. I think I should be the last person who thinks of giving up,” she said. 

Nila’s award comes amidst what many describe as “gender apartheid” under Taliban rule. Experts and human rights organizations continue to urge international attention and action. Meanwhile, Nila’s voice, amplified by this prestigious recognition, echoes the stories and struggles of countless Afghan girls worldwide. 

“Winning the International Children’s Peace Prize will mean that the voices of Afghan women and girls will echo across the world,” she said during her acceptance speech. “We must all continue to give them strength and hope in the darkest of times.”