At the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York in September, Pashtana Durrani, Founder and Executive Director of Learn Afghan and 2023 recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, took the stage alongside Lonnie Ali, Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Muhammad Ali Center. Her speech — courageous, heartfelt, and deeply personal shone a spotlight on the resilience and leadership of Afghan women and girls.
Introducing her, Lonnie Ali reminded the audience that “being a champion isn’t about titles or trophies — it’s about what you stand for when the lights go out: courage, service, and the fight for people who can’t always fight for themselves.”
Pashtana shared the story that sparked her journey as an activist:
“I didn’t know I was a champion when I stood up for my cousin. She was told she couldn’t go to school just because she was a girl. I couldn’t accept that. I borrowed money from my father, bought a few tablets, and went house to house teaching girls in Kandahar in secret. When schools were banned, I walked into an undisclosed classroom, not knowing if anyone would come — but more than 100 girls were there, waiting to learn. That’s when I understood: courage is what happens when girls refuse to give up on their education.”
Her words resonated across the festival grounds — a powerful reminder that Afghan women do not need saving; they need solidarity, support, and space to lead.Watch Pashtana’s full speech:
