Zarifa Gharafi: the mayor who faced the Taliban

In November 2019, Zarifa Ghafari became the mayor of Maidan Shahr, the capital city of Wardak Province, Afghanistan. She is one of the only female mayors in Afghan history and the youngest – appointed at age 26.

However, her appointment was delayed for nine months due to protests and threats by local politicians about her age and gender. And, after assuming her duties she faced death threats from the Taliban and ISIL.

Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan’s Government last August, Zarifa fled with her husband, mother, and five sisters. She now resides in Germany, where she was granted asylum.