Famous Afghan Leaders

Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai was an Afghan politician who served as the General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan and as the President of Afghanistan. He held various roles within the PDPA, including as head of the KHAD, the Afghan equivalent of the Soviet KGB. During his leadership, he focused on National Reconciliation reforms, distancing from socialism, and inviting non-communists to join the government. Despite efforts to build support and make reforms, he faced challenges such as the Soviet withdrawal and the rise of the mujahideen, ultimately leading to his resignation and subsequent assassination by the Taliban.

Ahmad Shah Massoud was an Afghan military leader and politician known for his role as a guerrilla commander during the resistance against the Soviet occupation in the 1980s. He led the government's military wing against rival militias in the 1990s and became the leading opposition commander against the Taliban regime. Massoud was a key figure in the resistance against the Taliban, eventually leading the Northern Alliance to victory in 2001. He has been hailed as one of the greatest guerrilla leaders of the 20th century.

Mohammad Daoud Khan was an Afghan military officer and politician who served as prime minister of Afghanistan from 1953 to 1963. He later led a coup d'état in 1973, overthrowing the monarchy and becoming the first president of Afghanistan. Khan established an autocratic one-party system under his National Revolutionary Party and implemented educational and progressive social reforms. His regime saw a purge of communists, but faced opposition from religious conservatives and liberals. Khan's rule ended with his assassination during the 1978 Afghan coup d'état.

Hafizullah Amin was an Afghan communist leader who played a significant role in the Saur Revolution of 1978, leading to the formation of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Amin started his career as a teacher before becoming involved in radical student movements in the United States. He joined the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the regime's strongman. Amin's leadership was marked by controversies, including mass persecutions and human rights abuses, leading to his assassination after a short-lived rule.

Sabuktigin, a Turkic slave bought by Alp-Tegin, rose to power as the governor of Ghazna in 962. Elected as ruler by fellow slave soldiers in 977, he expanded his rule into present-day Afghanistan and Balochistan. Through conflicts with the Hindu Shahi dynasty, he invaded Indian lands, paving the way for his dynasty's future monarchs. As a vassal of the Samanid Empire, he aided in suppressing rebellions and negotiated with the Kara-Khanid Khanate before his death in 997. Later idealized as a just and forgiving ruler, his legacy influenced generations of historians and rulers.

Babrak Karmal was an Afghan communist revolutionary and politician who served as the leader of Afghanistan and as the general secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1986. He played a significant role in the political landscape of Afghanistan during the late 20th century, leading the Parcham faction within the PDPA and eventually becoming Chairman of the Revolutionary Council and Chairman of the Council of Ministers. Karmal's tenure was marked by attempts to stabilize the country through reforms and policies despite facing challenges and criticism.

Fawzia Koofi is an Afghan-Tajik politician, writer, and women's rights activist. She has served as a Member of Parliament in Kabul and held the position of Vice President of the National Assembly. Koofi was a key member of the Afghan delegation involved in peace negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. Throughout her career, she has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality and empower women in Afghan society.

Ashraf Ghani is an Afghan politician, academic, and economist who served as the president of Afghanistan from September 2014 to August 2021. He has a background in cultural anthropology and taught at various institutions, including as an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University. Ghani worked at the World Bank in the 1990s before returning to Afghanistan in 2001. He served as finance minister in Hamid Karzai's cabinet and later became the dean of Kabul University. Ghani was known for his efforts to transform Afghanistan into a technocratic state, make peace with Taliban insurgents, and improve relations with Pakistan during his presidency.

Niloofar Rahmani is a trailblazing figure in Afghanistan's aviation history, known as the first female fixed-wing Air Force aviator in the country. Overcoming challenges and death threats, Rahmani pursued her dream to become a pilot, making history as the first female pilot in the Afghan Air Force post-Taliban era. Her dedication and perseverance led to international recognition, including receiving the U.S. State Department's International Women of Courage Award in 2015, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the field of aviation.

Zarifa Ghafari is a former female mayor of Maidan Shahr, Afghanistan. She is recognized for her dedication to advancing women's rights in the country. Ghafari is one of the few Afghan female mayors and was the youngest to be appointed. She has been a prominent figure in advocating for gender equality and empowerment. Despite facing three assassination attempts, she continues to be a strong advocate for women's rights. In 2020, Ghafari was honored as an International Woman of Courage by the US Secretary of State.

Dost Mohammad Khan Barakzai was a prominent ruler of Afghanistan during the First Anglo-Afghan War. He became the Emir of Afghanistan in 1826 after the decline of the Durrani dynasty. As an ethnic Pashtun from the Barakzai tribe, he successfully reunited the principalities of Kandahar and Herat with Kabul during his rule. Known for his strategic prowess, he led Afghan forces in battles, including the loss of Peshawar Valley to the Sikh Khalsa Army. Dost ruled for 36 years, leaving a lasting impact on Afghanistan's history.

Burhānuddīn Rabbānī was an Afghan politician and teacher who played a significant role in the political landscape of Afghanistan. He served as the President of Afghanistan during two different periods, first from 1992 to 1996 and later in exile from 2001. Rabbani was the founder of the Jamiat-e Islami at Kabul University, which attracted prominent figures in Afghan politics. He also led the Islamic State of Afghanistan government and later became the political head of the Northern Alliance, opposing the Taliban regime. Rabbani was eventually assassinated in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in Afghan politics.

Fatima Aziz was an Afghan physician and politician who served as a member of parliament representing Kunduz province. Elected in 2005 during Afghanistan's first free parliamentary election, she was re-elected in both the 2010 and 2018 elections. Throughout her tenure, she dedicated herself to addressing key issues facing her constituents and advocating for their needs. Her professional life was marked by a commitment to public service and a passion for making a difference in the lives of the Afghan people.

Nur Muhammad Taraki was an Afghan revolutionary communist politician, journalist, and writer. He was a founding member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) and served as its General Secretary and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. Taraki began his political career as a journalist and later wrote novels and short stories. He initiated the Saur Revolution in 1978, establishing the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. His leadership was marked by controversies, including purges of the government and party members, leading to a popular backlash and his eventual overthrow and murder on Amin's orders.

Anahita Ratebzad was an Afghan socialist and Marxist-Leninist politician who was a prominent member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) belonging to the Parcham faction. She served as the vice-president of the Revolutionary Council under the leadership of Babrak Karmal. Ratebzad was one of the first women elected to the Afghan parliament and held the position of deputy head of state from 1980 to 1986. Her professional life was marked by significant contributions to Afghan politics and leadership roles within the PDPA.

Rula F. Saadah Ghani, also known as Bibi Gul, is a prominent figure in Afghanistan known for her work as the former first lady of the country. She gained international recognition for her contributions to various social and humanitarian causes. Rula Ghani's professional life has been marked by her dedication to advocating for women's rights, education, and healthcare in Afghanistan. She has played a significant role in promoting peace and development initiatives in the country, earning her a place on Time magazine's prestigious Time 100 list in 2015.

Sibghatullah Mojaddedi was an Afghan politician who played significant roles in the country's history. He served as Acting President after the fall of Mohammad Najibullah's government in 1992. Mojaddedi was the first leader to advocate armed resistance against the Soviet-backed regime in 1979 and founded the Afghan National Liberation Front. He chaired the 2003 loya jirga that approved Afghanistan's new constitution and later became the chairman of the Meshrano Jirga. Mojaddedi also served on the Afghan High Peace Council, known for his moderate Muslim leadership.

Abdullah Abdullah is a prominent Afghan politician with a background in ophthalmology and medicine. He has held key positions in the Afghan government, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Executive of Afghanistan. Abdullah has been actively involved in peace efforts, leading the High Council for National Reconciliation to facilitate talks between the government and Taliban insurgents. He has also been a significant figure in democratic opposition movements and contested presidential elections, working towards national unity despite challenges and political controversies.

Sher Ali Khan served as the Amir of Afghanistan for two separate periods, from 1863 to 1866 and then again from 1868 until his passing in 1879. He was a prominent figure in Afghan history, being one of the sons of Dost Mohammed Khan, the founder of the Barakzai dynasty in the country. During his reigns, Sher Ali Khan focused on maintaining stability within the region, implementing administrative reforms, and navigating diplomatic relationships with neighboring countries. His leadership was marked by efforts to modernize Afghanistan and strengthen its position on the global stage.

Hamid Karzai, an Afghan politician, served as the fourth president of Afghanistan from July 2002 to September 2014. He led an uprising against the Taliban in Kandahar following the US invasion in 2001. Selected as Chairman of the Afghan Interim Administration, he later became interim president through the 2002 loya jirga. Elected as President in 2004 and re-elected in 2009, Karzai focused on building alliances between Afghanistan's communities. His later years saw strained relations with NATO and the US, amid accusations of corruption.

Anarkali Kaur Honaryar is a Sikh Afghan political leader, dentist, physician, and women's rights activist. She holds the distinction of being the first non-Muslim to serve as a member of the Afghan Parliament. Renowned for her advocacy work, she has dedicated her career to promoting women's rights and fighting against domestic abuse and gender discrimination. Anarkali Kaur Honaryar's efforts in championing tolerance and non-violence have been recognized with the prestigious UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize. A prominent human rights activist, she continues to make significant contributions to advancing gender equality and social justice.

Zeenat Quraishi Karzai was the First Lady of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, during her husband's presidency. She actively participated in various social and humanitarian initiatives, advocating for women's rights, healthcare, and education. Zeenat was known for her engagement with both local and international organizations to improve the lives of Afghan citizens, particularly women and children. Her dedication to charitable work and her efforts to promote social welfare made her a respected figure in Afghanistan and globally.

Dr. Massouda Jalal is a prominent figure in Afghan politics and women's rights activism. She made history by being the first woman to run for the presidency of Afghanistan in 2002, 2004, and 2019. Her career includes serving as the Minister of Women's Affairs from 2004 to 2006 and heading the Commission for the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Dr. Jalal played a key role in developing the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan and has a diverse professional background, including work in academia and with international organizations like the UN. She is multilingual and has held leadership positions in various sectors.

Khatool Mohammadzai is an Afghan brigadier general who has had a distinguished career in the Afghan National Army. She started as a paratrooper in the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and continued to serve as an instructor, even surviving the Taliban's rule. After the fall of the Taliban, she rejoined the military and became the first woman in Afghan history to reach the rank of general officer. Mohammadzai excelled in parachuting, winning competitions and training programs, and held various leadership positions within the military, including director of women's affairs.

Dr. Habiba Sarābi is a prominent hematologist, politician, and reformer in Afghanistan. She made history as the first Afghan woman to serve as a provincial governor in Bamyan Province. With experience as Minister of Women's Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, Sarābi has been a strong advocate for women's rights, representation, and environmental issues in the country. She is a member of the Hazara ethnic group and has played a significant role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan post-Taliban era.

Malalai Joya is an Afghan activist, writer, and politician known for her courageous stance against warlords and war criminals in the Afghan Parliament. She served as a Parliamentarian in the National Assembly of Afghanistan from 2005 to 2007 before being dismissed for her outspoken criticisms of the Karzai administration and its western supporters, especially the United States. Despite facing international protests, Joya continued to advocate for justice and women's rights, earning recognition as one of the bravest women in Afghanistan and being featured in prestigious lists like Time magazine's 100 most influential people.

Suhaila Siddiq, known as 'General Suhaila', was a prominent Afghan politician and military figure. She served as the Minister of Public Health and was previously the Surgeon General in the Afghan military. With the title Honorable, she was a key female leader in Afghanistan and the only woman to hold the rank of lieutenant general. Siddiq had a long government career spanning multiple administrations and was recognized for her service as a paratrooper in the Afghan Commando Forces.

Hosna Jalil is a trailblazing Afghan woman who made history by becoming the first to hold a high Interior Ministry post in Afghanistan. With a master's degree in business and management from the American University of Afghanistan and another master's in Strategic Security Studies from the National Defense University in Washington, she brings a strong educational background to her role. Her experience includes serving as Deputy Minister for Policy and Planning in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and as an advisory board member of the GLO.ACT Women’s Network at UNODC, focusing on combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

Shukria Barakzai is a prominent Afghan politician, journalist, and Muslim feminist known for her impactful contributions. She served as Afghanistan's ambassador to Norway, showcasing her diplomatic skills. Her dedication to journalism earned her the prestigious International Editor of the Year Award, highlighting her excellence in the field. Through her work, she has made significant strides in advocating for women's rights and empowerment in Afghanistan, solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential figure in both political and media spheres.

Mullah Mohammad Rabbani Akhund was a prominent leader of the Taliban movement, serving as Prime Minister of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. He played a significant role in the fight against the Soviet Union during their invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Joining the Taliban in 1994, Rabbani led the guerrillas in the final assault on Kabul after years of civil war. Despite being the Prime Minister, important decisions were made by the supreme leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, with whom Rabbani reportedly had political differences.

Fauzia Gailani was elected to represent Herat Province in Afghanistan's Wolesi Jirga in 2005 with the highest number of votes in Herat. Prior to her election, she had established a chain of fitness centers. Fauzia has been an outspoken advocate against violence towards women and forced marriages for girls, drawing from her own experience of being forced into marriage at a young age. She has been described as an independent representative whose support the Karzai administration was working to secure.

Suraya Dalil is an Afghan physician and politician with a notable career in public health and diplomacy. She served as the Minister of Public Health in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2014, where she worked to improve healthcare services and access for the population. Since November 2015, she has been serving as the country's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, representing Afghanistan's interests on the global stage. Dalil's professional trajectory showcases her commitment to advancing public health and diplomacy in her home country and internationally.

Abdul Haq was an Afghan mujahideen commander known for his role in fighting against the Soviet-backed People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan in the 1980s. He was a prominent figure in the resistance movement and sought to create a popular uprising against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Haq's efforts to mobilize opposition to the Taliban regime ultimately led to his tragic death at the hands of the Taliban in October 2001. His legacy as a courageous leader and advocate for freedom and justice continues to inspire many.

Nasrin Oryakhil is an accomplished Afghan minister, gynecologist, and obstetrician known for her exceptional work in the field. With a remarkable career that has earned her prestigious awards and recognition, Oryakhil's dedication to improving healthcare for women has been widely acknowledged. In 2015, she was appointed as a minister, further solidifying her impact on the healthcare sector. Oryakhil's expertise and commitment to women's health have made her a respected figure both nationally and internationally.

Delbar Nazari is an Afghan politician who served as the last Minister for Women's Affairs. Throughout her professional career, she has been a strong advocate for women's rights and empowerment in Afghanistan. Nazari has worked tirelessly to address gender inequality and promote opportunities for women in various sectors. As the Minister for Women's Affairs, she played a key role in implementing policies and programs to improve the status of women in Afghan society and ensure their voices were heard at the government level.

Qadriya Yazdanparast is an Afghan politician and human rights advocate who serves as a commissioner at the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. Prior to her current role, she held a leadership position at the Jamiat-e Islami Afghanistan political party before resigning to comply with the non-political requirement for her commissioner role. With a background that dates back to the Soviet-Afghan War, she studied jurisprudence and political science at Kabul University. Fluent in Pashto, Dari, Dutch, and English, Yazdanparast is dedicated to promoting human rights and social justice in Afghanistan.

Munir Mohamad Mangal was an Afghan general with a military career spanning over 40 years. He held high-level military and government positions, including serving as the Commander of the Afghan National Police. Mangal played key roles in the formation of the new Afghan National Army after the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan. Known for his strategic planning to minimize casualties, he made tough decisions under challenging circumstances. Mangal's dedication and leadership were evident throughout his distinguished military service until his retirement in 2016.

Dadullah was a prominent figure within the Taliban, serving as their most senior militant commander in Afghanistan until his death in 2007. Known for his brutality and violent tendencies, he earned the nickname "The Butcher" for his penchant for beheadings and extreme behavior. Despite his leadership role, he faced repercussions from Mullah Omar due to his actions. Dadullah also held the position of Minister of Construction within the Taliban. His life came to an end when he was killed by British and German special forces.

Ahmed Wali Karzai was an Afghan politician who served as Chairman of the Kandahar Provincial Council from 2005 until his death. He previously lived in the United States managing a family-owned restaurant before returning to Afghanistan in 2001. Karzai was accused of political corruption and alleged to be on the CIA payroll. He was assassinated by one of his close bodyguards in 2011.

Husn Banu Ghazanfar is a prominent figure in Afghanistan's political landscape, having served as the Minister of Women's Affairs. In addition to her political role, she is known for her contributions as a writer, poet, and speaker. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advocating for women's rights and empowerment in Afghan society. Her multifaceted professional life reflects a commitment to using her platform to address important social issues and inspire positive change within her community.

Sima Samar is a prominent Hazara woman known for her extensive work as a human rights advocate, activist, and medical doctor on both national and international platforms. She notably served as the Minister of Women's Affairs of Afghanistan and was the former Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). Additionally, Samar held the position of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan. Her dedication to championing human rights, particularly women's rights, in challenging environments has earned her recognition and accolades.

Abdul Rasul Amin was a multifaceted figure in Afghanistan, known for his contributions as a politician, lexicographer, academic, writer, and former education minister. Throughout his professional life, he dedicated himself to improving education and academia in his country. As a politician, he worked towards shaping policies that would benefit the Afghan people. His expertise in linguistics and writing made him a respected lexicographer and author. Rasul Amin's legacy is characterized by his tireless efforts to enhance the educational landscape and intellectual discourse in Afghanistan.

Shinkai Karokhail is a prominent Afghan women's rights activist, politician, and diplomat. She gained recognition for her tenure as the Afghan ambassador to Canada. Karokhail co-founded the Afghan Women's Educational Center in 1991 and later assumed the role of director in 2002, overseeing its management and developmental initiatives. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for women's empowerment and education in Afghanistan, working tirelessly to improve the lives of Afghan women and promote gender equality in society.

Salamat Azimi is an Afghan politician with a background in counter narcotics. Serving as the Counter Narcotics Minister, Azimi demonstrated a commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction in Afghanistan. Through strategic policies and initiatives, she aimed to reduce the production and distribution of illicit drugs, addressing a significant challenge facing the country. Azimi's professional life reflects a dedication to public service and a focus on tackling complex issues related to narcotics control and enforcement.

Roqia Abubakr was a prominent Afghan politician and educator. She worked as a teacher, school director, and served as the general director of the Women's Welfare Society and the Red Crescent Society. Abubakr was elected to the Constitutional Assembly in 1964 and later became one of the first women elected to Parliament in Afghanistan in 1965. She also held key roles in the Ministry of Education, including as the national director of the literacy program. Additionally, she was a presenter on Radio Afghanistan for five years.

Sayed Sadaat, a retired Afghan politician and former communications minister, relocated to Germany in 2018 and obtained British citizenship. Despite holding IT and telecom degrees, he now works as a bicycle delivery man for the courier company Lieferando. This shift in career showcases his adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges. Sadaat's professional journey reflects a diverse range of experiences, from high-level government positions to hands-on work in the delivery industry, highlighting his resilience and determination to succeed in different environments.

Amena Safi Afzali is a prominent politician in Afghanistan who has held various important positions throughout her career. She served as a commissioner with the Independent Human Rights Commission until 2004, demonstrating her commitment to human rights issues. She later became the Minister of Work, Social Affairs, Martyred, and Disabled in 2010, earning the confidence vote of the Afghan National Assembly. Prior to this role, she also served as the Minister of the Ministry of Youth Affairs before it merged with the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Ajmal Ahmady is an Afghan-American economist and politician with a background in economic development and investment management. He served as the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Afghanistan, Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Senior Economic Advisor to the President. Ahmady also represented Afghanistan in the TAPI natural gas pipeline project. He studied at Harvard University and later returned to Afghanistan to take on various senior government roles, utilizing his expertise in economics and finance to contribute to the country's development.

Farkhunda Zahra Naderi is an Afghan politician and women's rights activist with a rich professional background. She has served as a member of Afghanistan's High Council for National Reconciliation under Abdullah Abdullah's leadership. Prior to this, she was a senior advisor to President Ashraf Ghani on United Nations Affairs. Naderi also has experience as a member of the Afghan Parliament from 2010 to 2015. She is recognized for her contributions with awards such as the N-Peace Awardee and being a graduate of the Young Global Leaders program.

Latifa Nabizada is an Afghan helicopter pilot and one of the first two women qualified to fly a Mi-17 helicopter in Afghanistan. By 2013, she had achieved the rank of colonel in the Afghan Air Force. Her successful career has been inspirational to other women, encouraging them to pursue opportunities in the military. Nabizada's groundbreaking achievements have paved the way for more gender diversity and inclusion in the Afghan military, showcasing her dedication and proficiency in aviation.

Robina Muqimyar, also known as Robina Jalali, is a former Olympic athlete from Afghanistan who competed in the 100-meter sprint at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. She gained international attention for competing in a hijab, becoming one of the first two women to represent Afghanistan at the Olympic Games. Additionally, she ran for a seat in Afghanistan's parliament, the Wolesi Jirga. Robina has also been involved in promoting women's empowerment through her father's non-profit company that teaches Afghan women sewing skills.

Adela Raz is an Afghan politician known for breaking barriers and making history. She served as the last ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States from July 2021 to February 2022, playing a pivotal role in diplomatic relations during a critical time. Additionally, Raz made significant strides as the first woman to hold the position of Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, showcasing her dedication to advancing gender equality and representation in international diplomacy. Her professional trajectory exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a commitment to positive change.

Mullah Muhammad Omar was a prominent Afghan mujahideen commander and cleric who founded the Taliban, leading the group to establish the First Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan in 1996. He served as the Supreme Leader of the Taliban and enforced strict sharia law during their rule. Following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent American invasion of Afghanistan, Omar went into hiding and continued to lead the Taliban insurgency against the new Afghan government and the coalition forces until his death in 2013.

Nargis Nehan, a former Afghan minister, fled Afghanistan during the Civil War, growing up in Pakistan. She made history as the first Afghan woman to hold a leadership position in the Afghan Central Bank. Nehan's professional journey includes serving as the minister of mines, petroleum, and industries in Afghanistan. She has demonstrated expertise in economic and financial matters, contributing significantly to the country's economic development. Nehan's achievements highlight her dedication to public service and breaking gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Sitara Achakzai was a prominent Afghan women's rights activist and a member of the regional parliament in Kandahar. She was known for her dedication to advocating for women's rights in Afghanistan. Achakzai was a fearless voice against oppression and discrimination, particularly in the context of the Taliban's restrictive policies. Her work and activism extended internationally, as she held dual citizenship between Afghanistan and Germany. Despite facing threats and danger, Achakzai continued to fight for gender equality and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the women's rights movement.

Masuma Esmati-Wardak was a prominent figure in Afghan politics and education. She made history as one of the first women to serve in the Afghan parliament and later as Minister of Education. Throughout her career, she advocated for women's rights and played a key role in shaping important policies, such as the right for women to vote and stand for election. She also held leadership positions, including President of the Afghan Women's Council. Esmati-Wardak's legacy is marked by her dedication to empowering women and improving education in Afghanistan.

Azra Jafari is an Afghan politician and women's rights advocate known for her historic appointment as the first female mayor in Afghanistan. She was appointed by President Hamid Karzai in December 2008 to serve as the mayor of Nili, a town in Daykundi Province. Jafari's dedication to championing women's rights and representing the Hazara ethnic group has made her a prominent figure in Afghan politics. Throughout her professional life, she has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Afghan women and promoting gender equality.

Kubra Noorzai was a trailblazing Afghan politician and educator who made significant contributions to women's rights and education in Afghanistan. She served as Minister of Public Health, the first woman to hold a government minister position in the country. Noorzai was also a prominent feminist, breaking societal norms by being one of the first women to stop wearing a veil in public. She played key roles in various educational institutions, held leadership positions, and represented Afghanistan at international conferences.