Afghanistan’s “Person of the Year”: a 25 yr. old Sikh

Radio Free Afghanistan just chose Anarkali Honaryar for their “Person of the Year” award.  Coincidentally, Anarkali is a member of Afghanistan’s minority Sikh community.  At 25 years old, Anarkali is also a physician, a human rights activist, a member of Afghanistan’s Constitution Committee, and works for the Independent Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan.  Oh, and she finished high school at 12.

Wow. I think another fitting title would be Sikh Role Model of the Year (or the decade?). She has definitely just become my role model. And we can definitely add her to our list of sheroes.

Just what exactly was Anarkali given this award for?

She is well-known for helping women who suffer from domestic abuse, forced marriages, and gender discrimination. Honaryar is also an advocate on behalf of Afghanistan’s small, embattled Hindu minority, which lives in squalid conditions and faces harassment and discrimination.  “We are thrilled to recognize Anarkali for her tireless work in promoting democracy, human rights, and civil society in Afghanistan,” said Radio Free Afghanistan Director Akbar Ayazi. “Anarkali has been taking part in Afghanistan’s reconstruction since she was a teenager — this recognition is well-deserved.” [Radio Free Europe]

Anarkali was chosen by a panel of more than 30 Afghan journalists, civil society activists and human rights advocates. 

Radio Free Afghanistan’s ‘Person of the Year’ is an annual award given to an outstanding individual whose contributions to democracy and civil society have made a significant impact in Afghanistan’s reconstruction. The winner is chosen by a panel consisting of more than 30 Afghan journalists, civil society activists and human rights advocates. Last year’s ‘Person of the Year’ was Gul Agha Sherzai, governor of Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province. [Radio Free Europe]

Interestingly, Radio Free Afghanistan is funded by the U.S. Congress, in the same vein as Radio Free Europe. Radio Free Europe was created when intellectuals fled Soviet-occupied Eastern Europe during the Cold War and stemmed from the belief that the Cold War would be won by political rather than military means [wikipedia].

Radio Free Afghanistan is the most popular radio station in Afghanistan, broadcasting uncensored news and information in Dari and Pashto for 12 hours each day. It is funded by the U.S. Congress and was launched in 2001 as part of an effort to build a peaceful and democratic Afghanistan following the rule of the Taliban. [Radio Free Europe]

Upon learning of the honor she had been awarded, Anarkali dedicated it to all other young activists fighting for human rights and justice.

“I dedicate this honor to all those young people who fight for human rights, equality, justice, and civil society,” she said. “Everyone in Afghanistan — including women and minorities — deserve the same legal protections and educational opportunities for a better life.” [Radio Free Europe]