Zarghuna Kargar Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Zarghuna Kargar is an Afghan-born journalist, author, and advocate for women's rights, currently based in London. Born in Kabul in 1982, she and her family fled the civil war in Afghanistan, first seeking refuge in Pakistan and later in the United Kingdom in 2001. In Pakistan, Zarghuna attended a BBC-organized journalism course, which marked the beginning of her career in media. Upon settling in the UK, she joined the BBC World Service Pashto Section and later became the producer and presenter of the groundbreaking program Afghan Woman’s Hour, which aired from 2004 to 2010. The show provided a platform for Afghan women to share their stories, discussing issues such as domestic violence, forced marriages, and the challenges of living under the Taliban regime. Zarghuna's book, Dear Zari: Hidden Stories from Women of Afghanistan, published in 2011, is an anthology of personal narratives collected through her work on Afghan Woman’s Hour. The book highlights the resilience and strength of Afghan women, featuring stories of child brides, widows, and women subjected to societal injustices. Through these narratives, Zarghuna aims to give a voice to those often unheard, shedding light on the hidden lives of women in Afghanistan. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, Zarghuna contributed to the 2013 documentary Girl Rising, which tells the stories of girls from developing countries striving for education. Her segment focused on Amina, a young Afghan girl sold into marriage at the age of 11. Zarghuna's involvement in the project underscores her commitment to advocating for the rights and education of girls in Afghanistan. Currently, Zarghuna continues to work with the BBC Afghan Service, producing current affairs programs that address issues pertinent to Afghan society. She remains dedicated to amplifying the voices of Afghan women and girls, striving to bring their stories to a global audience. Through her work, Zarghuna Kargar has established herself as a prominent figure in journalism, known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and the empowerment of women.