Women fighting their way through
Female carpenters and politicians, Afghan women in Berlin and victims of date rape drugs – they all have to fight for their rights and for equality. More and more women are literally fighting their way through – using martial arts for self-empowerment and emancipation.
Mahdiah Hashemi, founder of the women’s association MAH, was invited by the RBB radio station Radio3 to speak with Ursula Voßhenrich about her participation in the women’s general strike on International Women’s Day.
You can find the interview with Mahdiah Hashemi here. Please note that the broadcast is entirely in German. There, she talks about how women’s rights are not a given for many Afghan women. They are systematically deprived of education, employment, and freedom, and they also face significant obstacles in Germany. They need and deserve opportunities and support – that’s why the association stands firmly for all women in Afghanistan and will represent them at the general strike following International Women’s Day.
Women, Life, Freedom – Speech at the General Strike
On the occasion of the global women’s general strike called by the “Enough! Enough! Basta!” initiative on March 9, 2026, Mahdiah Hashemi, founder of the Afghan Women’s Association MAH, also gave a speech in Berlin for the Afghan people and Afghan women in particular. Here you can see a recording of the speech as well as the translation of the speech given in German.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am both happy and sad to be standing here. I am happy because I am here to speak about the women and girls in Afghanistan who suffer every moment in my country.
As the Afghan people, we deserve higher rights; we expect a better life, and that is why we are here.
But we believe that the outcome is in God’s hands, and we are certain that the Afghan people will one day prevail—whether we are there or not. But this path is the path to freedom and justice.
A person’s fundamental right is currently being violated. We are here so that the world will support us. And if it does not, our resilience will be stronger.
This is a decision we have made as citizens of this country because we have chosen to stand up for rights.
It is the year 2026. The people of Afghanistan, especially the younger generation, are striving for new conditions. They want a new Afghanistan, a just and democratic system in which they can decide their own future.
I believe in it 100 percent. Just as I believe in God, I believe in the Afghan people. Sooner or later, they will prevail. The dark and difficult days will pass, and I firmly believe that the people will ultimately be victorious.
I believe that it takes time, and I believe in the willingness to make sacrifices. Our people and we are ready to make sacrifices.
Regarding today’s victories, our faith is strong in the resistance of the people, the steadfastness of the people, the conferences and events, and the various programs. All of these are achievements of the Afghan people in the struggle and are solely their successes.
I have a question: Have you ever heard of a people or a nation that fought alone and made rapid progress? Every struggle takes time; it requires patience and perseverance. We are taking this path with patience, planning, and the support of the people, even though we are alone. We wonder how long other nations and organizations will support us.
In closing, I would like to say that the women of Afghanistan and Iran share a common message: Women. Life. Freedom.
Shared Iftar with Tuba Bozkurt from the House of Representatives and Hanna Steinmüller from the Bundestag
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the kind invitation to a shared Iftar from two dedicated individuals, Ms. Tuba Buzkurt MDA and Ms. Hannah Steinmüller MDB.
It was a great pleasure for our association to participate in this lovely and warm evening.
Such gatherings remind us of the importance of unity, mutual respect, and community.
We hope that such meetings will continue to build bridges, foster new connections, and strengthen our collaboration.
Thank you for your warm hospitality. 🌙✨
»Legal options are being blocked.«
A program run by the German state of Berlin, launched in 2014, allowed refugees with existing family members to be admitted to the city. The requirement was that the relatives cover the costs of health and nursing care insurance (Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung) for at least five years. However, the program is now being discontinued: Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has refused to extend it. Newspaper “Jungle World” spoke with Mahdiah Hashemi, founder of the Afghan Women’s Association MAH, about the consequences of this decision.
The full interview in German can be found here (link redirects to the website of jungle.word).
Afghan robot girls – pioneers of the future
In Afghanistan, courageous girls are demonstrating that technology and science know no boundaries. Despite societal obstacles and a lack of resources, they are building robots, participating in competitions, and developing their robotics skills.
These young innovators prove that girls can be leaders in science and technology. They inspire others to pursue their dreams and shape the future.
Aid supplies have arrived at the border between Afghanistan and Iran
The Afghan Women’s Association MAH organized a delivery of aid supplies for Afghan refugees in need. These supplies have arrived successfully. We received this message from aid workers on the ground:
Dear Chairwoman of the MAH Women’s Association, Ms. Hashemi,
We sincerely hope you are well and wish you health and strength.
This is a brief report on the current situation: We are en route to the zero point at the border between Afghanistan and Iran. There, we will deliver your valuable aid supplies to Afghan people who have been deported from Iran and are in dire need.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your humanity and support. May God always protect you and continue to grant you the strength to give hope and help others.
Family in Kabul received aid
Coverage by journalist Wahid
Since the Taliban seized power, the security and economic situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly. In particular, restrictions on women and girls – such as the ban on education – have forced many families to flee to neighboring countries.
Some people had to emigrate alone or with a few family members due to economic difficulties. Those who were in a better financial position sought refuge in European countries.
Recently, Afghanistan’s neighboring countries have begun deporting many Afghan refugees, regardless of their legal status. This situation poses significant challenges for Afghanistan – both economically and in terms of security, especially for those who worked with international organizations under the previous government.
For this reason, the Afghan Women’s Association organized an event in Berlin on July 26th. The aim was to inform the public and governments about this situation, to show examples of deportations, and to demand an end to these measures.
@wahid_jalali11 was present as a journalist and documented parts of the speeches. During the event, he conducted an interview with Ms. Mahdiah Hashemi, the head of the association, as well as another interview in German with Ms. Isabel Imhof.
You can listen to the entire event and the interviews in full on the Berlin radio station or watch them as a video on the “Pardis Info” channel.
Cooperation with Migrantas e.V.
This message was sent to us by the non-profit organization Migrantas e.V.:
The Afghan Women’s Association MAH e.V. and we (Migrantas e.V.) have enjoyed a very close and cordial partnership for many years.
This collaboration has always been enriching for us and full of shared successes. We wholeheartedly recommend this association because it works with heart, trust, and great dedication for the people it serves.
Naturalization ceremony in Mitte district
A naturalization ceremony took place on October 2, 2025, in the ballroom of Berliner Stadtmission. The event was organized by the Advisory Board & Committee for Participation and Integration. The Afghan women’s association Afghanischer Frauenverein MAH e.V. was one of the partners. Here are some impressions from the event.
MAH at broadcaster RBB
In an interview with German broadcast channel RBB, founder Mahdiah Hashemi spoke about her experiences as a refugee, the current situation in Afghanistan, and her work for the her women’s association Afghanischer Frauenverein MAH. The interview was held in German. You can find a recording of the interview here.
MAH in newspaper Tagesspiegel
In August of 2025, the Berlin daily newspaper Tagesspiegel published a report about MAH founder Mahdiah Hashemi. The full article can be found on the Tagesspiegel website.
Photographs by Andreas Rost
Andreas Rost is exhibiting photographs in Berlin, taken under challenging conditions during his three trips to Afghanistan between 2007 and 2009. His black-and-white images are compelling, both for their subjectively conscious and sensitive approach to the subject matter, and for their poetic and aesthetic appeal. Through the artist’s eyes, we gain a direct impression of everyday life in Afghanistan during those years and, at the same time, an understanding of the prevailing patriarchal and archaic structures.
Taliban in Afghanistan
The presence of the Taliban and the fall of every city in the country cause pain in the heart of every Afghan.
Afghan immigrants also witness this misfortune and the problems of the oppressed population in the country.
All we can do is raise our voices, protest and cry out against this religious dictatorship.
On August 14, 2021, Afghan immigrants in Berlin and around the country made their voices heard at the protest rally against the brutal attacks by the Taliban and the indifference of the Ghani regime.
May these voices raise an outrage and eradicate the roots of tyranny and dictatorship from the world.
Justice rally for the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan from April 17, 2022
Demonstration in Berlin
Demonstrations in the German capital
A large number of Berliners took to the streets on Saturday to demonstrate against the Taliban rule in Afghanistan and its previous leaders.
Current status of the fundraising campaign
The Afghan Cultural Center thanks everyone for the donations received so far and for their cooperation. Over €23,000 has been donated, and every euro has reached those in need in many locations throughout Afghanistan.
Fundraising campaign by the Afghan Communication and Cultural Center (AKKZ) for displaced persons in Afghanistan
Due to the deteriorating security and economic situation in Afghanistan, the Afghan Communication and Cultural Center e.V. in Berlin has launched a fundraising campaign. The collected funds have been distributed to families in need in coordination with the aid team in Afghanistan. You too can donate. You will be helping to alleviate the problems faced by homeless people in distress.