ABOUT
NILA IBRAHIMI
Nila's Story
Early Life and Education:
Nila Ibrahimi was born in Afghanistan and raised in Kabul, where she attended the progressive Marefat High School, known for its emphasis on civic values and gender equality. A top-performing 9th-grade student, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including her role as a member of the Sound of Afghanistan (SA) — a music band that used songs to promote peace, human rights, gender equality, and democracy.
Standing Up for Her Rights at the Age of 14
In March 2021, the Kabul Education Directorate issued a discriminatory order banning girls over the age of 12 from singing in public. For Nila, who was just 14, this was her first encounter with institutional discrimination. Refusing to stay silent, she recorded a short video of herself singing a popular song that encouraged girls to pursue education. She ended her message with a powerful declaration:
“This is my voice and the protesting voice of all schoolgirls against the discriminatory decision of the Kabul Education Directorate. Eliminating our voice is eliminating us. We stand in unison against this decision.”
Her brother, Murtaza Ibrahimi, shared the video on social media, where it quickly went viral as part of the #IAmMySong movement. The video caught the attention of international media outlets and human rights advocates around the world. Within weeks, the Afghan authorities reversed the order — a historic moment that demonstrated the power of youth voices in shaping change.
The Taliban’s Takeover and the Journey to Safety
On August 15, 2021, while Nila was in the middle of her school exams, the Taliban regained control of Kabul. The takeover ended two decades of progress for Afghan women and girls, and Nila’s family — known for their activism and Hazara identity — soon faced threats.
With airports closed and few safe options, the family was forced to flee overland to Pakistan, enduring a perilous journey through multiple Taliban checkpoints. They lived for months in Quetta and Karachi, and later moved to Islamabad with support from the 30 Birds Foundation, an organization that helped more than 450 Afghans escape after the Taliban’s return.
After nearly a year of displacement and uncertainty, Nila and her family were finally able to resettle in Saskatoon, Canada, where they began to rebuild their lives. Today, she lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Founding HerStory
In 2023, Nila co-founded HerStory, alongside her brother Murtaza Ibrahimi, to create a platform that amplifies the voices of Afghan women and girls. The initiative highlights stories of courage and resilience, using storytelling, mentorship, and art to connect Afghan women around the world. Through HerStory, Nila continues to inspire young people — especially girls — to speak up for equality and human rights.
Nila Ibrahimi, second from left, is greeted by her old Marefat High School classmates at Saskatoon International Airport on Aug. 27, 2022. PHOTO BY MICHELLE BERG /Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Recognition & Awards
