Afghan Women Commemorate Queen Soraya’s 126th Birth Anniversary

The Hague — Afghan women’s rights organizations in the Netherlands marked the 126th birth anniversary of Queen Soraya, a historic advocate for women’s education and social reform in Afghanistan. The event was organized jointly by the Afghan Women’s Solidarity Association and Women in Priority on November 23, attracting Afghan activists, students, cultural figures, and women’s rights advocates. Many participants also used the occasion to protest ongoing violence and discrimination against women in Afghanistan.

Speakers at the gathering highlighted the continued struggles of Afghan women under Taliban rule, noting, “Afghan women today are deprived of their basic human and Islamic rights, yet we draw inspiration from Queen Soraya’s legacy of resistance, reform, and courage.”

Queen Soraya’s Legacy and Reformist Work

Queen Soraya Tarzi, the wife of King Amanullah Khan, is celebrated as a pioneer of women’s rights in early 20th-century Afghanistan. Born in 1899, she played a leading role in promoting girls’ education and expanding women’s participation in public life. She founded the first girls’ school in Kabul and launched Afghanistan’s first women’s magazine, “Ishad al-Nisa” (Guidance for Women), which educated women on social, cultural, and political issues.

As a key figure in King Amanullah’s reformist administration, Queen Soraya helped advocate for progressive legislation, including laws that banned child marriage and limited polygamy. She also served as Minister of Culture, where she championed reforms to modernize Afghan society, promote literacy, and encourage women to engage in public and cultural life.

Queen Soraya’s work was groundbreaking for its time. She often appeared in public without a veil, encouraged women to pursue education and professional careers, and led campaigns to modernize Afghan society, steps that were revolutionary in a conservative context. Her legacy remains a symbol of progress and hope for many Afghans today, particularly amid the current restrictions on women’s rights under the Taliban regime.

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The anniversary event in the Netherlands not only celebrated Queen Soraya’s historical achievements but also served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Afghanistan. Activists emphasized the need to continue advocating for Afghan women’s rights, education, and participation in public life, keeping Queen Soraya’s vision alive despite the challenges of the present.