Afghan women’s rights activist Zarifa Ghafari wins Luther Prize

 Admin l Saturday, April 15, 2023

 SCHMALKALDEN – Women’s rights activist Zarifa Ghafari has been awarded the Luther Prize for her work as the first female mayor of an Afghan province.

Ghafari accepted the €10,000 ($11,000) prize from the Association of German Luther Cities on Saturday at Wilhelmsburg Castle in Schmalkalden after the town nominated Ghafari for the award.

The administration said Ghafari was the first female mayor in the Afghan province of Maidan Wardak from 2018 to 2021, where she worked primarily for the protection and rights of Afghan women.

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She opened a market for women only and created jobs for them, among other activities.

After the Taliban seized power in the summer of 2021, Ghafari managed to flee to Germany with her family.

The Fearless Word award is presented every two years by an association of 16 German towns and cities where German theologian Martin Luther (1483-1546) lived and worked. It celebrates the civil courage of those who defied the pope and emperor by opposing the sale of indulgences in his theses.

The prize honours people who courageously raise their voices and take action.