Ajmal Ramyar’s journey is one of resilience and purpose, marked by his dedication to empowering Afghan youth and refugees, especially in the area of education. Serving as the Executive Director of Afghans for Progressive Thinking (APT), Ajmal has passionately advocated for human rights, democracy, and freedom of expression, focusing on empowering young Afghans, especially women, who face extraordinary challenges in Afghanistan’s current socio-political landscape. 

The Beginnings of Advocacy: Recognizing the Power of Education 

Ajmal’s commitment to advocacy began with his personal experiences. Reflecting on his early life in Afghanistan, he shared, “The deprivation of education is not just a violation of rights; it’s the theft of futures.”  

His deep understanding of the transformative power of education is grounded in his own observations of gender inequality and barriers to education for Afghan girls, a challenge that many families face​. This realization propelled him to devote his career to ensuring that Afghan youth, particularly young women, have the opportunity to access education and build better futures. 

Adapting to Change: APT’s Evolving Mission Amidst Turmoil 

In response to the Taliban’s return to power and the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021, APT’s initiatives evolved significantly.  

As Ajmal noted, “We have adapted our activities to better address the evolving needs of Afghan society, focusing specifically on young women who are now facing severe barriers to education and social participation.  

The organization’s shift in focus includes programs on trauma healing, mentorship for young women pursuing higher education, and creative writing and storytelling initiatives. These programs provide essential outlets for Afghan women to voice their experiences and advocate for their rights despite the oppressive restrictions imposed on them​. 

Building New Beginnings: Supporting Afghan Refugees in Canada 

Since relocating to Canada, Ajmal has continued to support Afghan refugees as they rebuild their lives. He has organized workshops on education, networking, and connecting refugees with resources available in their new environment. His efforts are not only aimed at practical support but also at fostering a sense of community and continuity for displaced Afghans.  

“My focus has been on connecting Afghan women with educational opportunities, mentorship, and trauma support, as they rebuild their lives in new environments,” he shared.  

This holistic approach to refugee resettlement has been instrumental in helping Afghan refugees navigate the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country​. 

APT’s creative writing program has been particularly impactful, empowering young Afghan women to channel their stories into powerful narratives that reflect their resilience and demand for autonomy.  

Ajmal explained, “Our Creative Writing and Storytelling program has empowered young women to resist oppression and advocate for their rights through powerful written narratives.”  

By providing a platform for expression, APT supports these women in preserving their identity and asserting their rights in the face of adversity​. 

Advocacy on a Global Stage: Speaking for Afghan Women and Youth 

Beyond direct support, Ajmal is an active advocate on global platforms, ensuring that the plight of Afghan women remains visible in international forums. He regularly addresses these issues in settings like UN conferences, where he highlights the disconnect between global policy discussions and the realities on the ground in Afghanistan.  

“One of the biggest challenges is the disconnect between global policy discussions and the realities on the ground,” he stated.  

Ajmal’s unwavering advocacy in these spaces serves as a reminder to the world of the urgent need for consistent support and attention to Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis​. 

Celebrating Success: Transformative Stories of Hope and Change 

Despite the formidable obstacles, Ajmal finds encouragement in the small victories that APT achieves. One particularly meaningful success was the mentorship program that facilitated scholarships for young Afghan women to study abroad.  

“Witnessing these young women gain opportunities outside Afghanistan brings hope to them and to us. It encourages us to persist despite the challenges of supporting them from afar,” Ajmal reflected.  

Such successes underscore the potential impact of APT’s work and strengthen his resolve to continue advocating for Afghan youth and women​. 

Looking Forward: A Vision for Afghanistan’s Future 

Ajmal’s vision for the future remains ambitious. He hopes to expand APT’s reach across Afghanistan, broadening educational opportunities for women, growing mentorship initiatives, and continuing to champion the rights of Afghan youth on international stages.  

His message to the global community is both a plea and a call to action: “Please do not forget these women. They are determined to fight for their rights despite the dangers, and they need the world to stand in solidarity, listen to them, and include them in any decisions that affect their future and that of Afghanistan.”  

His words resonate as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of Afghan women, who continue to resist despite the risks they face​. 

Ajmal’s work embodies the spirit of advocacy and resilience, demonstrating the transformative power of education and community support in the face of adversity. Through his efforts with APT, he not only provides tangible support to Afghan youth and refugees but also keeps alive the hope for a future where Afghan women can live freely and with dignity. 

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