Bio

Shabnam Salehi is a distinguished women's rights activist and scholar from Afghanistan, currently serving as a visiting lecturer and researcher at the University of Ottawa. Beginning her academic tenure in 2012 as an assistant professor at Kabul University, Shabnam has since focused on lecturing in public policy, specifically in human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment. Beyond academia, she has been an instrumental force in various research institutions and think tanks, directing attention towards gender-centric policy reforms.

Between 2019 and 2021, Shabnam played a pivotal role as the Commissioner and Head of the Women’s Rights Promotion and Protection Unit (WPU) within the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC). During her tenure, she reshaped the WPU, amplifying its impact in promoting and safeguarding women's rights.

A fervent advocate, Shabnam has championed women's involvement in both public and private sectors. Her contributions are evident in the reforms of laws pertaining to marriage, virginity tests, divorce, transgender rights, and sexual harassment. Additionally, she actively engaged in the amendment of government policies addressing violence against women and the rights of female prisoners and victims.

Beyond the borders of Afghanistan, Shabnam remains unwavering in her commitment to women's rights, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and assessing initiatives that champion female empowerment and protection.