Maryam Rayed: Advocate of the Year in Washington DC

Maryam Rayed

Arabinda Rabha

Afghan Women’s Rights and Democracy Advocate Maryam Rayed is Recognized as the Advocate of the Year in Washington DC.

Screenshot 20221006 005210 Chrome — Maryam Rayed

Maryam Rayed, an activist for democracy and women’s political empowerment, was recognized as an advocate of the year by the Women in Government Relations on 3rd Oct 2022 in Washington DC.

The prestigious annual program has honored women advocates and leaders in the field of government relations and advocacy since 2001.

This year and for the first time, the organization recognizes an Afghan woman for her activism and advocacy and represents Afghan women.

Rayed has founded and co-founded several nonprofit organizations in Afghanistan and the region, including the Afghanistan Women’s Think Tank and Democracy Pen.

Both research and advocacy centers provide a safe platform for women’s meaningful participation in political and social arenas and promote democracy.

Screenshot 20221006 002237 Chrome — Maryam Rayed

Currently, Rayed is a Fulbright scholar pursuing her second master’s degree in Governance and Diplomacy at Georgetown University of Washington DC.

Her research focuses on Women, Peace and Security, and the US Foreign Policy in the Middle East and South Asia. Previously, she also served as a fellow at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), where she conducted research on Afghanistan’s SDGs agenda.

She believes that the women’s global movement should stand in solidarity with women from Afghanistan, Iran, and those living under authoritarian rules and harsh circumstances.

“In building a free, peaceful, and just world, we must make sure women in these parts of the world are treated with dignity and equality,” she said.

Rayed believes that diversifying stages and platforms to include vulnerable voices is an urgent need for women’s global movements to achieve their ultimate goal.

Prior to coming to the US as a Fulbright Scholar, Rayed served as Director of International Affairs and Human Rights at the State Ministry of Peace in Afghanistan, where she worked extensively on promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, regional diplomacy, and inclusivity of the peace talks.

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