Featured Updates

As the 16 Days of Activism ends, Hasina Jalal’s piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette highlights that Afghan women still face gender apartheid and calls for urgent international action.

In a meeting with Ravi-Zan, Hasina Jalal explored how media can tackle misogyny and foster more inclusive perspectives within Afghan communities at home and abroad.

Hasina Jalal joined the advisory boards of JINA Alliance and Displaced International, both based in Washington, D.C. She looks forward to contributing to their important work, including research and civil society initiatives, particularly in advancing human rights.

Professor Rona Kaufman joined Hasina Jalal's class to share her research on gender, law, and systemic discrimination, sparking lively discussion and deepening students’ insights.

In their latest piece, Hasina Jalal and Dr. Paulo Casaca, former EU MP and Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, examine the Taliban Foreign Minister’s symbolic acceptance of women journalists in India; critiquing its implications against ongoing repression at home.

Hasina Jalal addressed the UK Labour Party in Cambridge, urging members to amplify the voices of Afghan women and girls and shape supportive UK foreign policy.

At a dinner meeting with Hayvi Bouzo, co-founder of Watch Yalla News, the conversation focused on independent media and the challenges journalists face today.

At a meeting with Randall Taylor of the Pitt Human Rights Alliance, the focus was on supporting Afghan refugees and immigrants in Pittsburgh.

Hasina Jalal welcomed Professor Karima Bennoune, former UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights and Vice President of the American Society of International Law, to her class virtually.

In this week’s class on “Gender Apartheid,” powerful and inspiring messages from Afghan women’s rights defenders were shared.

In a discussion on gender-based violence in digital spaces, Hasina Jalal highlighted the urgent need for safer platforms and stronger amplification of Afghan women’s voices amid ongoing gender apartheid.

Hasina Jalal hosted Olena Boryshpolts at a university-wide event where she discussed City of Asylum, at-risk writers, Ukrainian literature, and documentary poetry. A former lawyer turned poet, writer, and journalist, she is also the co-founder of Creation Without Borders.

Hasina Jalal invited Karen Galor, an experienced attorney and former U.S. Assistant District Attorney, to speak in her class.

Hasina Jalal co-organized and presented her research at the annual conference of the Afghanistan Law and Political Science Association.

Hasina Jalal first met Professor Nazif Shahrani in Afghanistan in 2012 and was delighted to reconnect with him in person after many years.

Hasina Jalal participated in the annual Afghanistan Law and Political Science Association conference, presenting her research and engaging with leading scholars on current issues affecting Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal met with Dr. Veronika Dristas and learned more about the valuable initiatives of the Global Studies Center in supporting at-risk researchers.

Hasina Jalal met with Nitin Madhav, former USAID Director for Central Asia and Afghanistan Affairs, to discuss the future of aid and development.

In this piece, in collaboration with former Afghan ambassador Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s decades-long challenges—including conflict, human rights abuses, and unfulfilled promises—are critically examined.

Hasina Jalal met with Rania Mamoun and Reem Alghazi, exiled researchers from Sudan and Syria, to discuss shared experiences of exile, academic journeys, and strategies for keeping their voices alive and impactful.

In the meeting with Dr. Clifford, Hasina Jalal expressed appreciation for the thoughtful gift of his book and looks forward to engaging with this important work.

Hasina Jalal met with Robert Creamer to discuss his latest book and the work of his wife, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

Hasina Jalal participated in the StandWithUs event in Pittsburgh and had the opportunity to reconnect with friends and fellow attendees.

Hasina Jalal: The UN Security Council’s persistent impasse is sidelining the rights and needs of Afghan women.

At the Pittsburgh Global Forum, Hasina Jalal moderated a panel on Afghanistan, focusing on the challenge of overcoming deep divisions.

Hasina Jalal participated in an important conversation on gender apartheid in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal addressed the “Afghanistan Four Years On” conference, emphasizing that accountability for human rights violations is essential and that Afghan women’s voices must be meaningfully integrated into decision-making processes, rather than tokenized.

Hasina Jalal joined a conversation on gender apartheid and the human rights situation in Afghanistan, focusing on the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls under Taliban rule.

Hasina Jalal met with Dr. Malek Setiz, a prominent Afghan voice in human rights and international law.

In conversation with Mr. John Sopko, former head of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, we explored key lessons from past foreign aid efforts and emphasized the importance of applying these insights to create more effective and sustainable strategies for the future.

Hasina Jalal spoke with Ambassador Lincoln Bloomfield about the rights of Afghan women and girls. Discussions like these are vital to ensuring that the voices of Afghan women remain a priority in policy debates.

Hasina Jalal attended the Democratic Mayoral Candidate Forum in Pittsburgh and appreciated hearing from Mayor Ed Gainey and Controller Corey O’Connor.

Hasina Jalal met with the Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project to discuss the shared challenges faced by people in Afghanistan and the Uyghur community.

At the “End Gender Apartheid” conference organized by the Afghan-American Association in Sacramento, California, Hasina Jalal joined activists and human rights defenders to highlight the alarming situation of women in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal met with Congressman Rich McCormick and highlighted the challenges facing women in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal spoke with Senator Cory Booker about the rights of Afghan women and girls. Discussions like these are vital to ensuring that the voices of Afghan women remain a priority in policy debates.

Hasina Jalal spoke with Senator Roy Blunt about the rights of Afghan women and girls. Discussions like these are vital to ensuring that the voices of Afghan women remain a priority in policy debates.

Participated at the Dawn of Four Years of Afghan Women's Systematic Deprivation: Global Approach and Action”.

Hasina Jalal reconnected with Dr. Bobbie, former director of the Public Choice Society, and catch up on shared interests and experiences.

Hasina Jalal met with Dr. Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics and former Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine. Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the resilience and hope of people rising and rebuilding even in the most challenging times.

Organized the “Voices of Afghanistan” speaker series at the Center for Governance and Markets, featuring Professor Ali Ahmad Jalali as the inaugural speaker. His talk, “Dynamics of Power in Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan: Challenges and Survivability,” offered timely and thought-provoking insights into Afghanistan’s shifting political landscape and governance challenges.

Met with the President and Board Chair of AfghanEvac to discuss the urgent need for sustained international attention on Afghanistan.

Met with Afghan women leaders and activists to mobilize collective action and advocacy for the rights of Afghan women and girls, fostering solidarity and strategic efforts to amplify their voices and protect their freedoms.

Engaged with Braver Angels, an organization dedicated to bridging divides and promoting constructive dialogue.

Met with Afghan women leaders and activists to mobilize collective action and advocacy for the rights of Afghan women and girls, fostering solidarity and strategic efforts to amplify their voices and protect their freedoms.

Hasina Jalal met with Afghan-Americans activists in the diaspora to discuss ways to support Afghanistan from abroad. The conversation highlighted the vital role of diaspora youth in advocating for Afghan women’s rights, education, and social progress.

Engaged with scholars and academics to examine the vital role of research in documenting Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges and its evolving social and political landscape.

Hasina Jalal meets Mr. Naseer Faiq, Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN. They discussed the essential role of women and youth activists and peace builders in shaping Afghanistan’s future, as well as the UN’s critical responsibility in addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

Hasina Jalal spoke at the Global Women’s Conference on March 8th, addressing the challenges faced by women-led social and political movements and human rights activists, their priorities, and the opportunities ahead.

Participated in a panel of Afghan women scholars and experts on “Reviving Afghanistan’s Democratic Path” to examine the roots of Afghanistan’s political collapse, reflect on the country’s democratic history, and explore strategies for rebuilding a sustainable and inclusive democratic future.

Hasina Jalal met David Sedney, former president of the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and current Board of Trustees member, along with his wife, Dr. Diana Sedney, a former AUAF professor. They discussed ways to support Afghan students inside and outside Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal spoke on a panel at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), discussing the gaps, challenges, and opportunities in Afghan women’s rights movements and exploring the path forward.

Hasina Jalal had an engaging discussion with Dr. Barnett Rubin on Afghanistan's key challenges, its future trajectory, and the role of the international community in supporting the country.

Hasina Jalal celebrates Human Rights Watch for recognizing the resilience, resistance, and activism of Afghan women by honoring Dr. Massouda Jalal and Husna Jalal, founder of the Young Afghan Women’s Movement, with the 2025 International Women’s Rights Award.

In this meeting, they discussed the current economic and political situation in Afghanistan and explored the steps needed to address ongoing challenges and support the country’s future development.

Hasina Jalal met Ambassador Sayed Tayeb Jawad, former Afghan Ambassador to the U.S. and the U.K. They discussed the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF), where Hasina is a proud alum, and its vital role in fostering education and hope in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal attended a reception at the U.S. State Department hosted by Ambassador Geeta Rao Gupta, featuring remarks by Special Envoy Rina Amiri and an inspiring young Afghan woman leader.

Hasina Jalal meet Colonel Jonathan Shine, Assistant Professor and Deputy Chair of the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College, who brings extensive operational experience in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal met with Professor Ali Ahmad Jalali, former Interior Minister of Afghanistan and distinguished professor at the National Defense University. Their discussion explored his extensive work, the current situation in Afghanistan, and the steps needed to move forward. His insights and guidance continue to be invaluable.

Hasina Jalal met with State Representative Aerion Abney of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to discuss the urgent situation of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal met with Professor Rachel Brule to discuss gender equality, drawing connections between global advances and the challenges Afghan women face in reclaiming their roles in political and economic life.

Hasina Jalal participated in the first three dialogues on male allyship for Afghan women’s struggles, hosted by Counterpart International, the International Republican Institute, and the United States Institute of Peace.

Hasina Jalal met with Gisele Fetterman, a non-profit champion and former Second Lady of Pennsylvania. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with her, and I am looking forward to meeting her again soon.

At the Seventeenth Annual ASMEA Conference, Hasina Jalal presented her research and engaged in stimulating discussions with scholars from around the world.

Hasina Jalal met with Syrian women leaders and activists to discuss their joint event on ‘Peace Talks and Gender,’ held alongside the 24th Annual UN Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security.

Hasina Jalal presented her research at the Annual Conference of the Afghanistan Association of Law and Political Science!

At the “Peace Talks and Gender” panel hosted by the EU at the UN, Hasina Jalal advocated for the recognition of Gender Apartheid in international law, particularly within the framework of the Crimes Against Humanity Convention currently being drafted.

Hasina Jalal participated in the 2024 Global Eradicate Hate Summit, standing alongside leaders and activists dedicated to creating a future free from hate-fueled violence

Hasina Jalal met with Professor Thomas Barfield, a distinguished scholar of Afghanistan whose profound insights into the country’s history and politics are truly invaluable.

Hasina Jalal participated in the second U.S. Scholars at Risk (SAR) General Assembly and meet Dr. Abdullah al-Na’im, a leading scholar of Islamic law and human rights, and hearing his lecture on the complex relationship between Islamic jurisprudence and modern human rights frameworks. He emphasized the importance of reinterpreting certain Islamic legal traditions to uphold human dignity and equality.

Hasina Jalal had the pleasure of meeting and exchanging ideas with Dovie Holland, Executive Director of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council.

At the 8AM Annual Conference on Diversity and Inclusion, the discussions explored the complexities of identity, the evolving social fabric, and the implications for unity and social cohesion in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal Meets with Kate Bateman, Senior Advisor to the Afghanistan War Commission and discusses insights on its ongoing initiatives and objectives.

Hasina Jalal actively volunteers with numerous Afghanistan-based networks and organizations to deliver virtual seminars, talks, and workshops for Afghan women and girls.

Hasina Jalal participated in the US-Afghan Consultative Mechanism Town Hall, hosted by USIP and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security.

Hasina Jalal moderated a panel on ‘How Universities Can Broaden Their Reach to Afghan Women’ at the University Network for Afghan Women event. #LetAfghanGirlsLearn

Hasina Jalal joined the "Afghan Women 2024: Allies & Opportunities" event hosted by the International Republican Institute, featuring a keynote by U.S. Special Envoy and other Afghan leaders and human rights advocates.

At Amnesty International USA’s Annual Conference, Hasina Jalal called for the immediate reversal of the Taliban’s restrictions on the fundamental rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal participated in a U.S. State Department event to support Afghan women and girls in education, entrepreneurship, and employment. Highlighting that Afghanistan remains the only country restricting women’s education, she emphasized how these limitations deepen the country’s ongoing crisis and violate women’s fundamental rights.

Hasina Jalal spoke on a panel titled ‘Post-Taliban Afghanistan’ at the Association of Asian Studies Annual Conference, where she addressed the current situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and its implications for the country’s future.

Hasina Jalal joined colleagues at the ‘Negotiating Pluralism and Difference in the Way Ahead: A Conference on Afghanistan’ at the University of Pittsburgh to discuss how Afghan society can overcome divisions, build social cohesion, and whether these goals are achievable under Taliban rule. She thanked USIP, the American Institute of Afghanistan Studies, the Hollings Center, and the Center for Governance and Markets for organizing this timely and important event.

Hasina Jalal participated in the launch of the Alliance for Afghan Women’s Economic Resilience at the U.S. Department of State. This important initiative aims to expand Afghan women’s access to higher education, employment, and economic opportunities.

For the past four years, Hasina Jalal has organized online classes for over 250 female college students in Afghanistan, with her friends in the United States generously volunteering as instructors to make this initiative possible.

At the 75th Anniversary Conference of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs, Hasina Jalal spoke on the state of women in Afghanistan under the current de facto authorities and urged the international community to pressure the Taliban to end their mistreatment of women.

Hasina Jalal spoke at the University of Chicago highlighting the ongoing struggle for Afghan women’s rights and the importance of international solidarity and advocacy for gender equality in Afghanistan.

Hasina Jalal conducted a virtual meeting with Afghan women leaders, human rights defenders, and peace and youth activists based in Afghanistan, Greece, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

As the UN General Assembly got underway, Hasina Jalal met with 15 key Permanent Representatives to the UN through a roundtable and bilateral meetings, including with the PRs of the US, UK, Albania, and Indonesia, as well as the NGO Working Group.

During a convening hosted by UN Women, Afghan human rights defenders and civil society leaders met to reflect on the past year and develop a joint strategy for the future.

In collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hasina Jalal organized a summit in Istanbul for Afghan women leaders and activists. The event featured UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett.

In collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hasina Jalal organized a summit in Istanbul for Afghan women leaders and activists.

Hasina Jalal welcomed Ms. Stella Ronner, Ambassador for Gender and Diversity at the European External Action Service (EEAS), as a keynote speaker at the Afghan Women Leaders and Activists Summit in Istanbul. The engagement highlighted international solidarity and reinforced commitments to advancing Afghan women’s rights, leadership, and gender equality.

Hasina Jalal spoke with former EU Ambassador and the Executive Director of the SADF to discuss gender apartheid and the systematic exclusion of women in Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan and Women” brings together Dr. Massouda Jalal and her daughter, Hasina Jalal, for an in-depth conversation on the challenges and triumphs of advancing gender equality in Afghanistan.

A motion signed by 16 Members of the UK Parliament has expressed deep concern over the arrest of Professor Faizullah Jalal of Kabul University by the Taliban, following his appearance on a news channel where he criticised the regime’s handling of Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.

Hasina Jalal has intensified an international campaign calling for support and protection of her father, Professor Faizullah Jalal, a longtime law and political science lecturer at Kabul University and vocal critic of the Taliban. Jalal gained attention for his outspoken criticism of the Taliban’s rule during a televised debate, where he accused the group of monopolizing power, suppressing free speech, and highlighted Afghanistan’s deep humanitarian struggles.

The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has urged the Taliban to release Professor Jalal, emphasizing that if the group wants to convince the world it has changed, it must cease intimidating and harassing its critics.

Hasina Jalal delivered a speech at the Seminar on Global Diplomatic and Security Challenges (GDSC) during a session titled "Women in Afghanistan and the Region."

In this meeting, the importance of inter-faith dialogue and genuine engagement in building understanding and fostering community was discussed.

Among hundreds of nominees and with thousands of public votes, Hasina Jalal was recognized as one of the 45 Most Influential Afghan Women by the Rumi Awards, honoring her impactful contributions and leadership.

Jalal Foundation organized a two-day training for Directors of Women Affairs from 15 provinces and foundation members from Kabul, focusing on strengthening leadership and capacity for women’s empowerment.

In her role as Director of Donor Coordination and Program Design and Policy Advisor, Hasina Jalal addressed colleagues at the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum on key national and international frameworks protecting women’s rights and preventing workplace discrimination.

As a founding member of the South Asian Feminist Alliance and the National Association of Afghan Civil Society, Hasina Jalal brought Afghan women’s voices to a regional forum in Nepal, highlighting their challenges, resilience, and leadership in advancing gender equality.

Ms. Hasina Jalal, a young Afghan researcher and activist, has been honored once again with the esteemed Women Super Achiever Award. This recognition follows a series of accolades she has received for her relentless dedication to the sciences.

Hasina Jalal, a UNDP Asia-Pacific N-Peace Awardee, was honored by the Afghan Presidential Palace with her portrait displayed at the historic Chahar Chenar Palace.

On February 17, 2016, Hasina Jalal was honored with the Global Women Leadership Award, a testament to her dedicated efforts in research and her commitment to economic empowerment of women and youth in Afghanistan. Her work in Afghanistan has focused on promoting democracy and increasing the participation of young women in various processes, ensuring that the voices of Afghan youth are heard and valued.

Hasina Jalal, alongside fellow Afghan women civil society leaders, participated in a training in Dubai, UAE, focused on UNSCR 1325 and other international treaties and policies, aimed at strengthening advocacy and capacity for Afghan CSOs.

As the elected representative of Afghan students and scholars, Hasina Jalal engaged directly with President Ashraf Ghani and Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani to advocate for improved conditions and support for Afghan students, scholars, and displaced communities.

Hasina Jalal monitored the Training of Trainers program in New Delhi, co-organized by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and the Jalal Foundation.

Hasina Jalal won the 2014 N-Peace Award prize, administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia Pacific Office to recognize the leadership role of women and peace advocates from six conflict-affected countries in Asia. She received the award from the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on the University for Peace.

In 2012, Hasina Jalal was recognized in the Asian Rural Women Coalition’s Honoring 100 Women campaign for her work advancing gender equality in Afghanistan.

The National Association of Afghan Civil Society organized workshops, seminars, and conferences across Kabul, Herat, Badakhshan, Nangarhar, Mazar, Kunduz, Kandahar, and Helmand provinces focusing on Women, Peace, and Security, ending violence against women, and promoting women’s participation in peace processes and decision making.

Monitored by the National Association of Afghan Civil Society, literacy centers provide reading, writing, basic math, legal, health, and civic education to women and adult girls annually, preparing them for admission into formal schooling.

Under the monitoring of the National Association of Afghan Civil Society, Afghan girls in Kabul and other provinces are being trained in English, math, STEM, and computer skills at various high schools, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.