Farukh Leqa Unchizada, Founder of SVA (Stichting voor Afghanistan)
Farukh Leqa Unchizada is a prominent Afghanistan human rights activist, originally from Faryab province, with over 17 years of frontline experience defending the rights of women and marginalized communities in one of Afghanistan’s most culturally conservative and dangerous regions. As the only female Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Faryab, she fearlessly confronted deep-rooted patriarchal norms, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Despite facing persistent death threats from the Taliban, she built safe spaces for women, including a women’s market and park. These pioneering efforts created community hubs for empowerment, engagement, and protection.
Following the collapse of the Afghanistan government in August 2021, Unchizada was evacuated from Kabul to the Netherlands. Although forced into exile, her commitment to justice remained unwavering. Instead, her advocacy gained significant momentum internationally. From her new base in Europe, she has emerged as a powerful voice for Afghanistan women and ethnic minorities, particularly the Uzbek community, on global platforms such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, the CEDAW Committee in Geneva, and the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg.
Unchizada’s international advocacy spans more than a dozen countries, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Tajikistan, France, Malta, Albania, Spain, and Turkey. She has delivered compelling testimonies, participated in key consultations, and amplified the voices of Afghanistan women and girls subjected to systematic discrimination, violence, and political exclusion under Taliban rule.
Unchizada has established an organization in the Netherlands under the name (Stichting voor Afghanistan) The foundation aims to provide charitable assistance to vulnerable individuals, especially women and children; offer educational opportunities for women, children, and youth; advocate for women’s rights and gender equality; and implement programs globally.
Despite the personal and professional challenges of displacement, Unchizada’s resolve remains unbreakable. She continues to work tirelessly to ensure that the stories and struggles of Afghanistan women are not forgotten. Her mission is rooted in an unshakable belief in freedom, dignity, and justice. Every speech she delivers, every report she writes, and every international meeting she attends brings her one step closer to ensuring that Afghanistan women are seen, heard, and free.
Farukh Leqa Unchizada is not just a witness to injustice; she is a relentless force against it. Her courage, vision, and unwavering dedication have made her a symbol of resilience for Afghan women worldwide.
treasurer
Farid Siavash was born in Kabul and studied Pedagogy and Journalism. He is the founder and editor of the cultural and social website Daricha-ye Zendagi (www.zendagi.com).
He currently lives in the Netherlands and works as a writer and researcher in the fields of philosophy, thought, and culture.
Two of his books have been published:
- A New Reading of the Transformation of Historical Thought
- Four Philosophers of Khorasan (Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, and Zakariya al-Razi)
Several other books are ready for publication, including:
- A Historical Survey of Philosophy
- A Bold Manifesto (on the ideas of Mawlana Rumi)
- Diverse Texts (articles and analyses)
- Nish wa Nosh (a collection of satire)
He has worked as a lecturer at Teacher Training Institutes in Kabul, Herat, and Paktia and has contributed to Darfash-e Jawanān and Pamīr Newspaper. He also held senior positions in local government institutions, including Head of Organization and Cadres, Head of Cultural and Social Affairs, and Head of the Prime Minister’s Press Office.
secretary
Somaya Forotan Balkhi is an activist in the field of women’s rights and currently lives in the Netherlands. She is also a poet, whose works focus on women, freedom, and love for her homeland.
She has published several poetry collections and literary works, which have been well received and are available to her readers. Her writings reflect the voices, struggles, and hopes of women in society.
