Death of Shirin Hazara in Exile; From Street Protests to the End of Life in Australia

Social Media

The death of Shirin Hazara, an Afghan protester and civil society activist, has triggered widespread reactions among women protesters, women’s rights activists, and civil society organisations.

Members of Shirin Hazara’s family confirmed the news on Sunday (8 February) saying that she died in Australia as a result of a stroke.

Shirin Hazara was among the first women to take part in street protests against the restrictions and policies imposed by the Taliban on women after the group returned to power in Afghanistan.

According to available information, Shirin Hazara had sought refuge in Australia about four months ago.

Following the announcement of her death, a number of women protesters and civil and cultural activists expressed their condolences through messages on social media. In these messages, Shirin Hazara was described as “a symbol of the resistance of Afghan women”.

The Azadegan Movement in Exile also issued a statement offering condolences over the death of Shirin Hazara and described her as “a courageous woman and one of the pioneers of civil protests against the Taliban”. The movement emphasised in its statement that it would continue to pursue women’s demands and protest the restrictions imposed on women.

The death of Shirin Hazara has once again drawn attention to the situation of Afghan women protesters, women who, after participating in street protests, have faced sustained pressure, insecurity, forced migration, and the psychological and physical consequences of life in exile.