Afghan women’s rights defenders speak about courage and resistance
An exhibition project about and with courageous women human rights defenders from Afghanistan.
These are tales of resistance and solidarity, of farewells and settling in – and of the unwavering commitment to a just world: for more than 20 years, we fought together against misogynist structures and empowered women who had experienced sexualised violence. Courageously, the colleagues in our Afghan partner organisation spoke up for the rights of women in Afghanistan.
Their lives were put in real danger in August 2021 when the Taliban seized power again. We managed to help all 90 of our colleagues and their families to escape from Afghanistan to Germany.
Now, 20 of them tell their poignant stories.
About the exhibition project
“Because we are women.” visibly portrays decades of successful women’s rights work in Afghanistan, making clear how this work brought about many changes in the country, and was not done in vain.
At the same time, the multimedia exhibition documents the dramatic consequences of the seizure of power by the Taliban in August 2021, revealing: The lack of responsibility shown by the West, including Germany, which let down a country and its people. The dangers and enormous stress associated with the evacuation of our Afghan colleagues and their families. The steadfast courage and incredible strength of these women, who are now building up a new life in Germany in spite of many obstacles. The solidarity which made these evacuations possible.
A further intention behind the project was and is to show that this will continue. We will continue to stand together, for women’s rights and against misogynist structures. This project is also a beacon and signal for the women and girls of Afghanistan.
Portraits
The exhibition
Visit our exhibition in Cologne
Experience this multimedia exhibition project about and with courageous women human rights defenders from Afghanistan at the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum in Cologne and be inspired by their resilience and strength.

Show Solidarity & Donate
Your donation is more than just support for our projects—it is a powerful sign of solidarity, showing the women in Afghanistan that they are not forgotten.

Share & Support
Download SharePics with our demands and share them on your social media. Support brave Afghan women’s rights activists and amplify their message!
Imprint
We thank and honor those who have brought this project to life with their ideas, dedication, and passion. Learn more about everyone involved in the imprint!