Nila Ibrahimi, 17

Nila Ibrahimi, a former star pupil at Marefat High School in Kabul, Afghanistan, first came to the world’s attention before the fall of Kabul when the pre Taliban government issued a decree banning schoolgirls from singing in public. Defying the law, Nila, then 13, recorded herself singing a song of protest against the decree, and inspiring girls to assert their right to education and stand up against injustice. 

Escaping the Taliban's regime in 2021 with assistance from the 30 Birds Foundation, Nila found refuge in Canada.  In May 2023  she delivered a compelling speech at the annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy to promote women’s rights, gender equality, peace and humanity. As a member of The Sound of Afghanistan Music Band, a nominee of CNN’s #AsEqual project and the founder of HerStory, she continues her advocacy around rights for women and girls.