Meena Keshwar Kamal: The Fearless Afghan Revolutionary

A Champion of Women's Rights and Equality

Meena Keshwar Kamal, commonly known as Meena, was a trailblazing Afghan revolutionary, political activist, and women's rights advocate who founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA) in 1977. Her unwavering dedication to promoting equality, education, and empowerment for Afghan women earned her recognition as a beacon of hope in a region marred by conflict and oppression.

Early Life and Founding of RAWA

Born on February 27, 1956, Meena was a student at Kabul University when she founded RAWA, an organization that aimed to give voice to the silenced and deprived women of Afghanistan. Despite the Saur Revolution's promise to promote women's rights, Meena felt that little had changed, and she was determined to challenge the status quo.

Advocacy and Activism

In 1979, Meena campaigned against the government, organizing meetings in schools to mobilize support against it. Two years later, she launched Payame-Zan, a bilingual feminist magazine that became a powerful platform for women's voices. She also founded Watan Schools, which provided aid to refugee children and their mothers, offering hospitalization and practical skills training.

International Recognition and Leadership

In 1981, Meena was invited by the French Government to represent the Afghan resistance movement at the French Socialist Party Congress. Her courageous speech, which included waving a victory sign, earned her a standing ovation, prompting the Soviet delegation to leave the hall in protest.

Personal Life and Tragic Assassination

Meena was married to Faiz Ahmad, the leader of the Afghanistan Liberation Organization, who was brutally murdered by agents of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar in 1986. Less than three months later, on February 4, 1987, Meena was assassinated in Quetta, Pakistan. The identity of her assassins remains unclear, but it is believed they were agents of the Afghan Intelligence.

Legacy and Impact

Meena's untimely death did not silence her voice or diminish her impact. RAWA continues to thrive, providing education, healthcare, and refuge to Afghan women and children. Meena's bravery and selflessness have inspired generations of women's rights activists, and her legacy serves as a testament to the power of courage and conviction in the face of adversity.

• "I am not a feminist, I am a nationalist. I want my country to be free." - Meena Keshwar Kamal

Tribute and Remembrance

Meena's life and work are a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for human rights. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten, and her legacy continues to inspire and empower women around the world.