Maryam Durani

Durani understands and accepts the risks of being a visible woman in such powerful and meaningful roles, and receives strong support from her immediate and extended family who also face these dangers.

The position she holds in the Kandahar Provincial Government is for a woman, extremely unusual, given the conservative values in southern Afghanistan, which continue to be influenced by Taliban views.

Durani believes that to promote peace in Afghanistan, there must be expanded equal access to quality community-based education, as well as support programs that increase girls' and boys' attendance at school.

Merman Radio is empowering Kandahar's youth especially women and media professionals to explore sensitive issues of gender, human rights, good governance, rule of law, in addition to economic, and social issues, Durani says "It's very difficult to gather men and women in the same place at the same time for any activity or discussion in Kandahar," she says.

The House of learning programs provides students with the skills needed to obtain employment to support themselves and their families, improve their communities and participate in the reconstruction of Kandahar.

On Sep 2020 rights activist Maryam Durani has found a fresh outlet for her decades of advocacy, a new fitness centre for women.

Maryam who has survived two suicide bombings, an assassination attempt and countless death threats — not to mention harsh public condemnation for opening the club.

It includes a radio station, English and literacy classes for women, an Islamic school and a seamstress center that sells clothing made by women.“The reaction of the ladies was very positive because they needed it,” she said, shortly after working out with a group of clients.