Najeeba Wazefadost’s journey as an activist began during her childhood in her home country, Afghanistan. “I experienced firsthand the oppressive conditions faced by women. Born into a world where my voice was stifled, and persecution was a constant fear, I navigated a landscape where freedom seemed like a distant dream,” she recalls today from Australia, where she sought asylum by sea several decades ago.
Her family fled Afghanistan when she was 10 years old, and they spent several months in mandatory immigration detention before being recognized as refugees. Faced with the harsh realities of detention centers, she decided to advocate for those in similar situations: “Being internally displaced from birth (as part of the Hazara minority), the path to becoming a refugee advocate was not a choice but an innate part of my existence. I learned to fight against injustice, to resist oppression, and to persist in the face of adversity.”
She has a Bachelor of Medical Science and Nursing but has spent the last decade advocating for refugee rights and gender equality. She is motivated by the belief in the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. The resilience and determination of forcibly displaced people inspire her to continue this journey.
Leading efforts in this field, however, has been particularly challenging due to her gender and country of origin, having witnessed the almost nonexistent participation of women in public life and being constantly reminded of her supposed lack of rights. “The adversity I’ve faced only fuels my fervent belief that while it is undeniably harder for women to work in this field, we bring an unparalleled resilience to this work. We possess an innate ability to empathize, connect, and understand the challenges faced by forcibly displaced individuals, particularly women and girls. The struggles we endure shape us into formidable advocates, breaking through barriers and challenging stereotypes,” she explains.
“In a field where diversity of thought is crucial, women contribute a perspective that is often marginalized. Our presence challenges the status quo and highlights the necessity of a more inclusive approach. So, while it may be harder for women to work in this field, our presence is not only necessary but transformative. It’s a testament to the unyielding strength of women who refuse to be confined by societal expectations, paving the way for a more equitable and compassionate world,” she adds.
Her work has been internationally recognized, in particular, for her focus on building women-led networks. She co-founded the Global Refugee Led Network (GRN), Global Independent Refugee Women Leaders (GIRWL), and the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees (APNOR). She is also the founder of an Afghan women’s business network in Asia Pacific, helping women to establish their own businesses.
This approach, she explains, is a very personal one: “I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of unity, recognizing it as an indomitable force for change. These refugee women-led networks aren’t just about collaboration; they’re the lifeblood of shared experiences, a reservoir of resilience. In my heart, these networks are a visceral necessity. It’s about amplifying our voices, our narratives, and our perspectives that often go unheard. This isn’t just about visibility; it’s a rallying cry for a community that supports, uplifts, and empowers each other. By fostering a supportive community, we not only enhance the visibility of these leaders but also create a powerful force for advocating policy changes and addressing the specific challenges faced by refugee women.”
First and foremost, we need to shatter the prevailing stereotype that portrays refugee women solely as victims. It is crucial to recognize their inherent resilience, strength, and potential for leadership. By reframing the narrative, we can challenge preconceived notions and create an environment that empowers women to reclaim agency over their lives.
The marginalization of women, sadly, is one of the realities she has witnessed throughout her work. To catalyze change and foster refugee leadership, especially in transit countries, she believes an intentional shift is needed: ”First and foremost, we need to shatter the prevailing stereotype that portrays refugee women solely as victims. It is crucial to recognize their inherent resilience, strength, and potential for leadership. By reframing the narrative, we can challenge preconceived notions and create an environment that empowers women to reclaim agency over their lives. Our sector needs to prioritize education, skill-building, and mentorship programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by women. Additionally, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, networking opportunities, and amplifying the voices of refugee women can significantly contribute to their leadership development. In essence, investing in the empowerment of refugee women is an investment in the resilience and prosperity of entire communities.”
Read about other refugee women leaders like Najeeba: 5 Refugee Women Leading Change for Forcibly Displaced Communities