Meena Keshwar Kamal, Afghan activist, founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (b. 1956)

Meena Keshwar Kamal (Pashto/Persian: مینا کشور کمال; February 27, 1956 – February 4, 1987), universally recognized by her first name, Meena, was a profoundly influential Afghan revolutionary political activist, a staunch feminist, and a courageous advocate for women's rights. Her enduring legacy is indelibly linked to her role as the visionary founder of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), an organization she established to champion the rights and liberation of Afghan women in a tumultuous era. Tragically, Meena's life was cut short when she was assassinated in 1987, a loss that profoundly impacted the nascent women's movement in Afghanistan and beyond.

Who Was Meena Keshwar Kamal?

Born on February 27, 1956, Meena Keshwar Kamal emerged as a pivotal figure in Afghanistan's complex political landscape. She was far more than just an activist; she was a symbol of unyielding resistance against oppression, both from external forces and internal patriarchal structures. Her activism began during a period of escalating political instability in Afghanistan, preceding and encompassing the Soviet invasion of 1979. Meena's unique contribution lay in her holistic approach to human rights, understanding that women's liberation was intrinsically linked to broader struggles for democracy, social justice, and national sovereignty.

The Visionary Founder of RAWA

In 1977, at the young age of 20, Meena Keshwar Kamal founded the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA). This organization was conceived as a non-governmental, non-political, and non-sectarian platform dedicated to promoting women's rights and secular democracy in Afghanistan. RAWA's foundational principles were rooted in the belief that true societal change could only be achieved through the empowerment of women and their active participation in political and social life. Under Meena's leadership, RAWA engaged in critical activities, including:

• Establishing underground schools for girls, defying bans on female education, often operating in secret to provide literacy and basic skills.
• Operating health clinics and skill-training centers to provide essential services to women and children, particularly in refugee camps in Pakistan.
• Documenting and exposing human rights abuses, especially those perpetrated against women, by various factions during the Afghan-Soviet War and the subsequent civil conflicts.
• Advocating for a secular, democratic, and independent Afghanistan, free from foreign intervention and religious fundamentalism.

Meena's Unwavering Activism and Tragic End

Meena's activism was characterized by her fearless opposition to all forms of fundamentalism and foreign interference, whether from the Soviet-backed regime or the increasingly powerful and often extremist Mujahideen factions. She was known for her outspoken criticism of groups that exploited the Afghan people and suppressed women's rights under the guise of religion or national liberation. Her work was not confined to Afghanistan; she traveled internationally to raise awareness about the plight of Afghan women and to garner support for RAWA's initiatives, speaking at conferences and meeting with human rights organizations.

On February 4, 1987, Meena Keshwar Kamal was tragically assassinated in Quetta, Pakistan, where many Afghan refugees and resistance groups were based. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through human rights circles and the women's movement globally. While the exact perpetrators have been a subject of debate, her assassination is widely attributed to agents of the Afghan intelligence service (KHAD), then backed by the Soviet Union, or forces associated with Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin, a powerful fundamentalist group led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Her murder was a significant blow to the progressive movement, yet her legacy and RAWA's work have continued to inspire generations of activists.

Legacy and Continued Impact

Despite her short life, Meena Keshwar Kamal left an indelible mark on the fight for human rights and women's liberation in Afghanistan. RAWA, the organization she founded, continues its vital work today, operating under challenging circumstances to empower women and advocate for democratic change and justice. Meena remains a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring struggle for human rights and women's emancipation in Afghanistan and globally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meena Keshwar Kamal

What was Meena Keshwar Kamal known for?

Meena Keshwar Kamal was primarily known as an Afghan revolutionary political activist, feminist, and an outspoken advocate for women's rights. She is most famously recognized as the founder of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA).

When and where was Meena Keshwar Kamal assassinated?

Meena Keshwar Kamal was tragically assassinated on February 4, 1987, in Quetta, Pakistan. Her death remains a painful reminder of the dangers faced by activists in conflict zones.

What is the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA)?

RAWA is a women's organization founded by Meena in 1977. It aims to empower Afghan women, promote human rights and secular democracy, and document atrocities, operating largely underground due to challenging political conditions in Afghanistan.

What was the political context of Meena's activism?

Meena's activism took place during a period of immense turmoil in Afghanistan, including the Soviet invasion (1979) and the subsequent rise of various Mujahideen factions. She critically opposed both foreign intervention and the repressive fundamentalist forces that sought to control Afghanistan and suppress women's rights.