Born and raised in Afghanistan, Mursalina Amin is an advocate and education activist for Afghan youth and a senior student pursuing Political Science at the University of Tulsa in the United States. She founded the non-profit organization Girls Toward Leadership (G2L) in 2020, and along with her team, has impacted the lives of over 1,500 girls. During her leisure time, Mursalina is interested in martial arts such as Taekwondo and kickboxing, as well as arts and reading.
In a conversation with HerStory’s Communications Manager, Sahar Maqsoodi, Mursalina shares her journey as a young Afghan activist, her experience founding G2L, and the challenges she faced being forced to flee Afghanistan.
Mursalina founded Girls Toward Leadership at the age of 18 during the pandemic to address the education crisis faced by Afghan girls. “I started by leveraging my connections to organize virtual programs. We offered capacity-building sessions, leadership training, and educational workshops, helping Afghan girls learn and grow even while confined to their homes,” she explains.
Sahar: What inspired you the most to become an activist, particularly focusing on education, and establish the Girls Toward Leadership organization?
Mursalina: The main idea and inspiration behind founding Girls Toward Leadership (G2L) came to me in 2020, right after I graduated high school. It was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when education had become inaccessible to many around the world due to restrictions. I witnessed how this situation was affecting not just myself but also the girls around me, particularly their mental well-being. Many were left feeling lost, isolated, and uncertain about their futures.
At that time, I was fortunate to have a strong network of peers and mentors. I had been organizing events, participating in international youth conferences, and collaborating with organizations such as the United Nations and UN Women. This network, along with the opportunities I had been given, became a resource I could tap into. I realized that while I had access to these opportunities, many other girls my age did not. I felt a responsibility to use what I had to create something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others.
Mursalina began building a team of like-minded individuals to design online programs focused on capacity building and knowledge sharing. They reached out to talented young people in Afghanistan who were experts in various fields, asking for their help to teach and inspire Afghan girls. “G2L aims to empower Afghan girls, including myself, to break free from societal limitations and barriers through both online and in-person programs,” she says.
Sahar: What are some of the biggest challenges Afghan girls face in accessing education, and how does G2L address these challenges today?
Mursalina: The challenges girls face in accessing education are immense, both during and after the pandemic. G2L focuses on online initiatives such as campaigns for girls’ education, leadership programs, and capacity-building workshops. One of our recent initiatives, in partnership with BTIL Academy from Pakistan, involved training Afghan girls in leadership skills over two months.
We are also working on equipping girls with skills for online employment, including coding, web development, and freelancing, so they can achieve financial independence. By focusing on educational programs and employment skills, we are addressing critical challenges Afghan girls face today.
Sahar: Can you share your experience during the Taliban takeover in 2021 and how it affected your life and education?
Mursalina: Same as the pandemic, the Taliban’s return to power was a new and unprecedented experience for me and all Afghans. Personally, I was deeply affected, and I know that everyone around me, including you, probably felt the same. Most of us had heard about the Taliban regime from our parents or elder siblings—stories of oppression, fear, and violence. It was difficult to imagine those stories becoming a reality. I had always been optimistic about the future as I grew up in Afghanistan. Our country was developing, and I never dreamed of leaving it permanently. At most, I thought about studying abroad temporarily, but my ultimate goal was to live and work in Afghanistan. When rumors started circulating on social media about the Taliban returning, I dismissed them. I thought, “How could that happen? We have a government, even if it’s corrupt. We have an army, and the people in our cities are educated and have progressive mindsets. We’re nothing like the Afghanistan of the past.” I couldn’t fathom how the Taliban could take control of a modern, developing country like ours.
The Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan left me numb, unable to process the drastic change. My dreams and hopes were shattered, and I couldn’t see any future for myself or my country. During my two months in Afghanistan, I rarely went outside due to overwhelming fear. One day, I encountered a group of Taliban fighters, armed with large guns, near my home. It was my first time seeing them face-to-face. I remember struggling to breathe, my heart racing with fear. I avoided eye contact and walked past them, but I was trembling the entire time. That moment was deeply shocking and left an indelible mark on me. Even though I left Afghanistan, the trauma of those days will always stay with me. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life.
After leaving Afghanistan, Mursalina was evacuated to Kyrgyzstan, where she continued her studies at the American University of Central Asia. Despite the trauma of displacement, she describes her time in Bishkek as transformative: “It was a resourceful university with incredible people. That experience gave me hope and prepared me to continue my advocacy work.”
In 2023, Mursalina represented Afghan girls at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the United Nations. She presented data and testimonials from Afghan girls, calling for action beyond words and tangible support for grassroots organizations like G2L.
Sahar: What was your experience at CSW68, and what message did you hope to convey?
Mursalina: Thank you for the great question. Attending the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN was a powerful experience. My primary aim was to represent Afghan girls and ensure their struggles and voices were heard. With less than five minutes to speak, I worked meticulously to include as much as I could, using a survey of Afghan girls to support my points. I highlighted their restricted rights, the need for scholarships and opportunities, and the importance of taking tangible actions beyond statements and events.
I advocated for grassroots initiatives like HerStory and Girls Toward Leadership, which are doing essential work but lack sufficient support. It felt like a moral responsibility to be there and speak for Afghan girls at such a critical time. I hope my efforts inspire real action to help Afghan women and girls move forward.
Sahar: Let’s talk about your interests. What are your hobbies and interests during your free time?
Mursalina: I have a variety of hobbies, but my favorites are centered around sports and creativity. I particularly enjoy martial arts, including Taekwondo and kickboxing. I started practicing Taekwondo when I was around 15 and have earned belts in it. While I also enjoy kickboxing, my overall interest lies in mixed martial arts (MMA). I’m not a fan of sports like football or baseball, but martial arts truly captivate me.
Beyond sports, I enjoy sketching, drawing, and reading during my free time. Lately, I’ve also taken an interest in watching movies. Spending time with family and friends is something I deeply value, and I love meeting new people, sharing my story, and hearing theirs. These connections bring me a lot of joy and fulfillment.
Mursalina is advocating for Afghan women and girls, focusing on education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Despite challenges, she remains hopeful, stating that education is the key to reclaiming power. She urges Afghan girls to seek opportunities and persevere, as their resilience is their greatest strength. Mursalina calls for action to support Afghan women and girls, especially in education, to create a future where their voices are heard and celebrated.
“Together, we can create a future where our voices are not just heard but celebrated.”
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