Despite her fears, the Afghan activist and journalist has chosen unwavering commitment to return to her hometown of Kabul in order to protect its children and women
Mahbouba Seraj has a strong will. An Afghan-American citizen and a septuagenarian, Seraj had all the reasons to flee her country when the Taliban military group took over the government in 2021. Instead, she chose to stay.
As she watched her country’s young democracy crumble after 20 years of progress, the women of Afghanistan—above all else—were the first people on her mind.
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She helms the Afghan Women Skills Development Centre, a non-profit organisation for abused women and children. She is also a journalist, humanitarian and peace activist with more than four decades of experience. More recently, she was also a speaker at the first-ever Tatler Gen.T Summit, which took place in November 2023 in Hong Kong.
Here is what she has to say about choosing to live bravely, though in fear, in her hometown of Kabul.
On coming—and staying—home
“From the day I entered the country [in 2003], I haven’t stopped working for the women [and children of Afghanistan]. Defending them, being their voice, raising their voice, educating them and giving them access to whatever it was that was necessary.
“In 2021, when the Taliban came, they asked me whether I wanted to leave and I said no. Number one, because I love [my] country very much and [also because it is home].”