Ms. Mozhdah Jamalzadah: A Voice for Afghan Women

In a work-related telephone call with the Supreme Master Television team on August 19, 2021, our most beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai spoke on the importance of protecting and respecting women. “You see we are in the 21st century, women became astronauts, go into space. Women are in the scientific field. Women have invented many things that are beneficial to human beings, animals, and the whole world. And women have become prime ministers, presidents, and leading the world into prosperity. At least their nation. Of course, the world will benefit as well. Women, they are wise. They understand all that. They can see far in the future. It’s not just about themselves that they worry about. They worry about their country, their children, the future of their children.”

One woman who has been standing up and championing the rights of women in Afghanistan is Ms. Mozhdah Jamalzadah. An award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and talk show host, Ms. Jamalzadah is often referred to as “The Oprah of Afghanistan.” “I got into music because I wanted to raise my voice and raise awareness, to remind the Afghan people that women are a very big part — they've always been a big part — of society.” “My dad wrote the next song, "Dukhtare Afghan" ("Daughter of Afghanistan"), for Afghan girls and women, and he wrote the most beautiful lyrics — it was the first Afghan female protest song that's ever been out there.”

On her talk show, Ms. Jamalzadah openly discussed issues around marriage, divorce, and domestic violence, bringing them to public attention for the first time in Afghan history.

In 2010, Ms. Jamalzadah was invited to sing “Dokhtare Afghan” for the U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on International Woman’s Day.

In its blurb on “Voice of Rebellion: How Mozhdah Jamalzadah Brought Hope to Afghanistan,” Amazon.com has this to say about Ms. Jamalzadah: “Many have tried to silence her, but Mozhdah Jamalzadah remains the most powerful female voice of her generation in Afghanistan, boldly speaking out about women’s rights.”