At the International Civil Society Week (ICSW2025) in Bangkok, the HAMRAH Initiative hosted a panel discussion titled “How to Protect the Most Marginalised Under Authoritarian Rule?” The session brought together Afghan civil society leaders working in exile to reflect on resilience, creativity, and protection in contexts of severe repression.
Moderated by Dr. Timor Sharan, Director of the HAMRAH Initiative, the conversation explored what it means to “do what is possible” after the collapse of the Afghan Republic in 2021 — and how Afghan organisations continue to protect and advocate for the most marginalised despite enormous risks.
Stories of Courage and Protection
• Pashtana Durrani — Founder, LEARN Afghan
Pashtana shared LEARN Afghan’s continued expansion of its network of underground and online schools, built in partnership with local communities. Today, these programmes reach thousands of girls, offering innovative curricula in subjects such as AI and journalism. Beyond education, these learning spaces provide protection, connection, and hope.
• Zahra Nader — Editor-in-Chief, Zan Times
Zahra described founding Zan Times using her personal savings — an initiative that has grown into a prominent investigative newsroom documenting Taliban abuses and amplifying the voices of Afghan women and LGBTIQ+ communities. Zan Times’ work is now published in collaboration with international outlets including The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Indian Express.
• Artemis Akbary — Founder, Afghanistan LGBTIQ+ Organization (ALO)
Artemis reflected on ALO’s work providing lifesaving support to LGBTQI+ Afghans, documenting violations against them, and advocating globally against the Taliban’s system of gender apartheid. His testimony highlighted the extreme risks faced by LGBTQI+ individuals both inside Afghanistan and in exile.
Reflecting on the session, participant Lisa Faye wrote:
“Watch the HAMRAH Initiative… they shared near-impossible work under overwhelming conditions, all with communities facing deep repression. Journalists, LGBTQI+ activists, and people dedicated to educating girls wherever they can — all facing the greatest risks to themselves and those they love. It is too much to think of, but they aren’t just thinking — they wake up each day and they do it.”
Her words captured the heart of the session: the determination of Afghan civil society to continue protecting rights and dignity, even when the odds are against them.
Activists, civil society leaders, and donors whom we met and attended our panel event offered solidarity to HAMRAH’s cohort members. Their support strengthened our resolve to continue:
• defending civic space,
• protecting the most marginalised,
• finding new ways to resist, and
• holding the Taliban accountable for their actions.
