Fawzia Koofi

Fawzia Koofi has advocated for female representation and girls’ education in Afghanistan for over 2 decades. A renowned women’s rights activist and politician in Afghanistan, Fawzia is best known for her role as the first female to be elected as a Deputy Speaker in the Afghan Parliament. As a keynote speaker she speaks on issues related to human rights, democracy and rights of the women and children.

Fawzia first foray into politics began with spearheading the ‘Back to School’ campaign that was focussed towards securing Afghan women’s right to education. She then undertook responsibility as a Child Protection Officer for UNICEF. Fawzia’s career is marked with her indelible efforts to educate the world about the struggles and abuse countless Afghan women must face every day, serving as a spokesperson for those who cannot raise their voices.

New York Times Bestselling Author of “The Favoured Daughter” and “Letters to My Daughter”, Fawzia’s literary contributions have offered a deep insight of what it means to be a woman in Afghanistan. She has taken every opportunity in her stead as a politician and representative of her country to demand equal rights and safety for women and girls in Afghanistan. In 2022, she addressed the UNHRC to put the injustice meted towards women in Afghanistan at the hands of the Taliban to an end. She has also been part of the peace negotiation team representing Afghanistan in front of the Taliban in 2020.

Fawzia has displayed sheer grit and determination in the face of immense danger and unsafety, always ensuring she speaks up for what is right. She has contributed heavily to international media in the form of opinion pieces written for The New York Times, Financial Times and PassBlue to name a few. The first ever Vice President of the National Assembly in Afghanistan, Fawzia Koofi stands as a beacon of hope for women and children in her country. TEDx speaker of "When Women are At the Table", she is now available to hire as a keynote speaker for a range of geopolitics and international relations related events. Hire the magnanimous Fawzia Koofi today!

In April 2024 we sat down virtually with Fawzia Koofi and discussed the future of Afghanistan and the importance of women's equal rights in all areas of the world. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Fawzia Koofi.