Maryam Rayed

Maryam Rayed is an Afghan advocate for human rights, known for her contributions to peace, freedom, and equality, with a focus on the empowerment of women and youth in Afghanistan. Rayed's advocacy is grounded in her experiences growing up during the Taliban's first rule in Afghanistan, which has informed her commitment to gender-inclusive discussions on peace and security.

Early life and education
Born and raised in Afghanistan, Rayed completed her undergraduate studies at Kabul University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Philosophy. She later earned a master's degree in Gender and Women's Studies from the same institution. As a Fulbright scholar, she pursued further education at Georgetown University, USA, specializing in Governance and Democracy. Her studies concentrated on institution building, governance assistance, and the analysis of institutional fragility, conflict, and community resilience. Rayed's academic experience includes participation in the Erasmus Plus program, with studies in Poland and Germany. She is proficient in Farsi/Dari and Pashto and has a working knowledge of Arabic and Urdu.

Career and advocacy
Rayed has served as the deputy director of Foreign Relations and Human Rights at the State Ministry for Peace in Afghanistan, where she worked on incorporating women's rights into peace and security dialogues. She is the founder of the Afghanistan Women's Think Tank, which aims to enhance peace and stability through a gender-focused approach to research and advocacy. Furthermore, Rayed co-founded Democracy Pen, a nonprofit advocating for democracy, women's education, and freedom of the press.

Her has also advocated for international solidarity among women's movements and addressing the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan, Iran, and areas under authoritarian regimes. Rayed emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized voices in global discussions to promote women's dignity and equality.

Awards and recognition
In 2022, Rayed received the Advocate of the Year award from Women in Government Relations, a US-based entity. This recognition, marking her as an Advocate on the Rise, was the first of its kind awarded to an Afghan woman for her activism and advocacy in women's political empowerment.

Personal life
After Afghanistan's government collapse in 2021, Rayed entered political exile in the United States. There, she continues her advocacy and academic endeavors, focusing on the rights of Afghan women and contributing to the global gender equality movement.