Sitara Achakzai (also transliterated Achaksai) (1956/1957 – 12 April 2009) was a leading Afghan women's rights activist and a member of the regional parliament in Kandahar.

[1][2][3] Achakzai is a name shared by one of the sub-tribes of Durrani clan, part of the Pashtun people, one of the largest ethnic groups of Afghanistan.

[5] Like Malalai Kakar and Safia Amajan, Sitara Achakzai was targeted by the Taliban because she was trying to improve the situation of Afghan women.

[6] Michaëlle Jean, the Governor General, said We were equally distressed to learn of the assassination of Sitara Achakzai, a courageous and proud activist for the rights of her countrywomen, who was gunned down at point-blank range.

The Taliban were quick to claim responsibility for this unprecedented violence, fiercely dedicated to hindering all efforts to further development and stability in Afghanistan.