Zarifa Ghafari, currently a first-year MPA student at the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University, is an Afghan activist and former mayor of Wardak province. Born in 1994, she went to school in Kabul and Paktia, graduating in 2009. She then obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from universities in India. Ghafari founded the Assistance and Promotion for Afghan Women Organization, a non-profit focused on supporting women's rights and girls' education. She also started a radio station called "Peghla" (meaning "young girl") that advocated for women's issues and democratic values. In 2018 at age 24, Ghafari became one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, serving in Wardak province. She focused on increasing women's participation and promoting girls' education in the male-dominated society. Ghafari has faced threats and attacks for her activism. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, Ghafari has been a prominent voice advocating for Afghan women's rights and highlighting the country's humanitarian crisis. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her courageous work, including the International Women of Courage Award. Ghafari has also written a book titled "A Woman's Battle in a Man's World" co-authored with Hannah Lucinda Smith. The book provides a vision of the lives of three generations of Afghan women. Additionally, Ghafari was featured in the Netflix documentary "In Her Hands" which premiered in 2022 and showcases her life and work. Ghafari continues to fight for a democratic future for Afghanistan and the rights of women and girls through her advocacy, book, and documentary.

Hometown

Wardak, Afghanistan

Major(s)

Government, Politics and Policy Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am owning my own NGO (APAW Organization) focused of Women’s rights with a vision of (Thriving Afghan community, empowered by women) and I’ve been working years as a leader for different platforms I’ve mentioned above in my bio

Describe your college experience

Transitioning to college was both exciting and challenging. However, I've found college to be incredibly rewarding. I've been able to explore new academic interests and develop stronger skills. Getting involved on campus has also been a highlight. The workload is heavier, but I've learned effective strategies to manage it. I'm especially enjoying the hands-on learning opportunities. Overall, I feel I'm growing and thriving in this new environment, and I'm excited to continue making the most of my college experience.

Tip for future students

Utilize campus resources. Get involved early. Manage your time wisely. Explore Ithaca. Be adaptable. Wish I had known to use campus resources and get involved early. Take care of mental health. Make the most of your time at Cornell.

Favorite class

I greatly enjoy courses where the learning is interactive and centered around analyzing contemporary political and policy issues. The classes that feature lively dialogue and debate on these topics are the ones I find most rewarding and stimulating.

Career goals

Definitely the policy and politics is the future goal.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Spending time with my daughter is always the best.

High school or secondary school

I’ve attended in Afghanistan, so sharing anything about them won’t be much familiar.

Previous college

I’ve did my bachelor and first masters in India.