Aryana Sayeed is an Afghan singer, songwriter and a philanthropist known for her powerful contributions as a women’s rights activist in Afghanistan. While she is primarily recognized for her music career, her advocacy for women’s rights has played a significant role in her public life.
Early Life:
Aryana Sayeed was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. She grew up during a tumultuous period in Afghanistan’s history, marked by conflicts between different factions followed by the oppressive rule of the Taliban.
Musical Career
Since beginning her musical career, Aryana has gained recognition in Afghanistan and beyond for her powerful voice and engaging songs. She has released numerous hit singles, music videos and albums, becoming one of Afghanistan’s most prominent and successful female artists. Aryana’s songs and music videos have been watched and listened to over 300,000,000 times on various digital media platforms; including YouTube, Spotify, AppleMusic, etc. Aryana has also served as a Judge on TheVoice Afghanistan, The Afghan Star and the Afghan Superstar. She also had the honour of being one of the International Judges on The World’s Best talent show on CBS USA, with the Host and Executive Producer James Cordon and the main Judges being Drew Barrymore, RuPaul and Faith Hill.
Artistic and Philanthropic Achievements
Throughout her artistic career, having performed over 300 concerts worldwide, Aryana has also won multiple awards; including Best Female Artist of the Year on multiple occasions, Best Song of the Year on multiple occasions, Afghan Icon Award, Most Influential Artist of Afghanistan, Best Live Performer of the Year, etc.
As an Activist and a Philantropist, Aryana has won the International Freedom Award by the Atlantic Council, Bravery Awards by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture and PEN Afghanistan, awarded as One of the Ten Most Influential Women of Afghanistan by ex-President Hamed Karzai, etc. During her tenure inside Afghanistan, Aryana also served as the Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Awareness for the Ministry of Health. Aryana has also performed at the European Parliament in Brussels, UNESCO’s 75th Anniversay in Paris and appeared as a Keynote Speaker at NATO London right after Canadian Prime Minister, H.E. Justin Trudeau. Aryana established her own non-profit organization inside Afghanistan titled ARYANA CARE Foundation to provide financial and moral support to those in need.
Women's Rights Activism
Aryana Sayeed’s journey as a women’s rights activist began when she used her public platform to speak out against gender inequality and the oppression of women in Afghanistan. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, often addressing issues such as education, freedom of expression, and gender equality.
Aryana's activism includes
1
Advocating for Women's Education
Aryana has emphasized the importance of girls' education in a society where many girls face barriers to pursuing their studies.
2
Empowering Women
She has worked on projects that aim to empower Afghan women economically and socially, helping them gain financial independence and self-reliance.
3
Challenging Gender Norms
Aryana has used her music and interviews to challenge traditional gender roles and norms, encouraging women to be strong, independent, and assertive.
4
Promoting Self-Expression
Aryana has supported and encouraged women to express themselves freely, whether through art, music, or other means, despite cultural and societal constraints.
5
Philanthropy
Aryana has been involved in various charitable activities, including providing aid to disadvantaged women and children in Afghanistan.
Impact
Aryana Sayeed’s advocacy has inspired many young Afghan women and girls to stand up for their rights and pursue their dreams. Her outspoken stance on women’s issues in a conservative society has made her a symbol of resilience and courage.
Challenges
Aryana has faced significant backlash and threats due to her advocacy work, but she continues to use her voice and influence to push for positive change and gender equality in Afghanistan.
In summary, Aryana Sayeed is not only a renowned Afghan singer but also a passionate women’s rights activist who has dedicated herself to addressing gender inequality and empowering women in Afghanistan. Her music and advocacy have made a significant impact in a challenging environment, serving as an inspiration to many women striving for their rights and freedom.
Frontline defenders of 20+ MILLION women and girls in Afghanistan deprived of their RIGHT to live as human beings.
