Maryam Durani (مَریَم دورانی) (born 1987) is an activist and women's advocate. In 2012 she received the International Women of Courage Award.
Life
Mariyam is the daughter of Haji Mohammad Eisa Durani. She is from the Durrani tribe. Maryam graduated from the American University of Afghanistan. She has a degree in business. She also studied law and political science.
Work
Mariyam was Kandahar people’s representative in the provincial council. She was director of Khadijatul Kubra women's association for culture. She was the owner of Merman Radio of Kandahar, a special women's radio. She started the Kandahar women's advocacy network. Maryam also started Malalai Maiwandi Internet cafe, a free women's internet cafe. It is a safe space for women to use the internet, and the first of its kind in Afghanistan.
Awards
In 2012, Time Magazine chose Maryam as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World". According to Time, "As the owner and operator of a radio station (Merman Radio) that focuses on women's issues and as a member of the Kandahar provincial council, Durani stands up for the region's women with remarkable bravery."
In March 8, 2012 she received the U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award.
In May 2014, Maryam received the Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in Middelburg, the Netherlands. Freedom of Speech and Expression
References
Other websites
2012 International Women of Courage Awards, U.S. State Department photostream on Flickr Secretary's International Women of Courage Award (U.S. Department of State)