Razia Barakzai

Razia Barakzai (; born 1995) is an Afghan women's rights activist. She was named one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2021 for leading the first women's protests against the Taliban in August 2021, following their takeover of Afghanistan earlier that month.

Early life and education Barakzai was born in Farah Province. her mother was a housewife, while her father was a commander in the Afghan Security Forces. She attended Herat University, where she studied political science, and obtained her master's degree from Kabul University. She continued to participate in protests in September 2021, in response to statements suggesting women would not be able to hold positions in the new government. During these protests, she reported being struck in the head by Taliban forces, and that tear gas and pepper spray were used against protesters.

By late 2021, Barakzai had fled Afghanistan due to death threats made against her by the Taliban. She has criticized UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Rina Amiri for meeting with Taliban officials or suggesting the Taliban might be validated as Afghanistan's legitimate government.

As of July 2023, Barakzai was living in Pakistan with relatives. She maintained contact with activists in Afghanistan, and continued to speak out against Taliban policies, such as the shutdown of women's salons.