The UK-based Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, has presented its prestigious 2026 annual prize to the women of Afghanistan in recognition of their courage and resilience against systematic gender oppression.
The award was presented by Theresa May, former British Prime Minister and current Chair of Chatham House, to Elaheh Safdari, former goalkeeper of the Afghanistan women's national football team who received it on behalf of Afghan women, during a ceremony in London attended by several Afghan female activists.
Chatham House stated that the honor acknowledges the extraordinary resistance of Afghan women against systematic oppression and their steadfast commitment to defending basic rights and future opportunities for girls across the country.
Five years after the Taliban government returned to power in Afghanistan, women and girls have been systematically banned from education beyond grade six, universities, most forms of employment, and access to public spaces.
The institute highlighted that despite severe crackdowns, Afghan women both inside and outside the nation have organized protests, sustained underground secret schools, documented human rights violations, and built mutual solidarity networks.
Chatham House underscored that these continuous sacrifices have crucially prevented the plight of Afghan women from being sidelined or forgotten by the international community.
The annual Chatham House Prize is decided through a vote by institute members to honor individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to the advancement of international affairs and human dignity.
Source: Chatham House
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