About
Shahlla Arifi is a women’s rights activist and a member of the leadership of the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement. She holds a Master’s degree in Gender and Women’s Studies from Kabul University and previously served as an employee of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Since 15 August 2021—now approaching five years—Ms. Arifi has remained at the forefront of women-led civil resistance in Afghanistan. She has organized and led more than 50 peaceful women’s protests, primarily in Kabul, advocating for women’s fundamental rights, including access to education, work, and public participation. Her work has focused on mobilizing grassroots networks, coordinating civic actions, and amplifying the voices of Afghan women under systematic repression.
The civil activities conducted under the name of the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement have been coordinated inside Afghanistan by Shahla Arifi and internationally by Hoda Khamush. The movement is recognized as an independent, justice-oriented platform dedicated to advocacy, documentation of human rights violations, and sustained civic resistance.
Due to her prominent role in leading protests, Ms. Arifi was repeatedly threatened and ultimately arrested in August 2023. Following detention, severe pressure, and enforced restrictions, the escalating security risks made it impossible for her to remain in Afghanistan. In September 2023, she was forced to leave the country. She is currently living in exile and continues her advocacy, media engagement, and human rights work despite ongoing challenges.
Shahla Arifi represents the resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment of Afghan women striving for gender equality and justice under extremely difficult circumstances.
Since 15 August 2021—now approaching five years—Ms. Arifi has remained at the forefront of women-led civil resistance in Afghanistan. She has organized and led more than 50 peaceful women’s protests, primarily in Kabul, advocating for women’s fundamental rights, including access to education, work, and public participation. Her work has focused on mobilizing grassroots networks, coordinating civic actions, and amplifying the voices of Afghan women under systematic repression.
The civil activities conducted under the name of the Afghanistan Women’s Justice Movement have been coordinated inside Afghanistan by Shahla Arifi and internationally by Hoda Khamush. The movement is recognized as an independent, justice-oriented platform dedicated to advocacy, documentation of human rights violations, and sustained civic resistance.
Due to her prominent role in leading protests, Ms. Arifi was repeatedly threatened and ultimately arrested in August 2023. Following detention, severe pressure, and enforced restrictions, the escalating security risks made it impossible for her to remain in Afghanistan. In September 2023, she was forced to leave the country. She is currently living in exile and continues her advocacy, media engagement, and human rights work despite ongoing challenges.
Shahla Arifi represents the resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment of Afghan women striving for gender equality and justice under extremely difficult circumstances.