Nilofar Sewar ( Zholia Parsi) is a prominent Afghan women’s rights activist, human rights defender, educator, and civil society leader. She previously worked as a teacher and has spent many years advocating for civil rights, women’s empowerment, access to education, and social justice in Afghanistan. Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Nilofar became one of the leading voices of Afghan women’s peaceful resistance. In September 2021, she co-founded the Spontaneous Movement of Afghan Women Protesters, a grassroots women-led movement that organized protests and public advocacy in defense of women’s rights, girls’ education, freedom, and basic human dignity. In September 2023, she was imprisoned by the Taliban because of her activism and public protests. Despite this experience, she has continued to speak out and advocate for Afghan women and girls, especially those denied education, work, and participation in public life. As a member of the Board of Directors of Banoo Foundation, Nilofar brings strong experience in grassroots activism, women’s rights advocacy, education, civil resistance, and community leadership to support Banoo’s mission of empowering Afghan women and girls.