Early Years and Family History: Sima Samar was born into a middle-class family in Jaghori, a district in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. Her father, Ghulam Ali, was a teacher, and her mother, Malalai, was a homemaker. Growing up in a conservative society, Sima faced numerous challenges, particularly related to gender discrimination and limited opportunities for women. Despite these obstacles, her parents valued education and encouraged her to pursue her studies.
Education and Early Hardships: Sima Samar’s early education was marked by perseverance and determination. She attended local schools and later moved to Kabul, where she enrolled in the Kabul University Medical College. Her journey was not easy, as she faced societal and financial challenges. Nonetheless, she graduated with a degree in medicine in 1982, becoming one of the few female physicians in Afghanistan at the time.
Career Beginnings and Personal Loss: After graduating, Sima Samar married Abdul Jalil Samar. However, her life took a tragic turn when her husband was arrested and disappeared in 1984 during the Soviet-Afghan War. Left to raise their son alone, Sima decided to focus her energy on helping others. She fled to Pakistan, where she began working in refugee camps, providing medical care to Afghan refugees.
Activism and Ups and Downs: In Pakistan, Sima Samar founded the Shuhada Organization in 1989, which aimed to provide healthcare and education to Afghan women and children. Her work was fraught with challenges, including threats from conservative elements and limited resources. Despite these difficulties, her dedication to human rights and women’s empowerment remained unwavering.
Achievements and Rise to Prominence: After her resignation, Sima Samar continued her activism through the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), where she served as chairwoman. Under her leadership, the AIHRC worked on documenting human rights abuses, advocating for justice, and promoting women’s rights. Her efforts earned her international recognition, including numerous awards such as the Right Livelihood Award in 2012 and being listed among the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2021.
Real Name: Sima Samar
Date of Birth: February 3, 1957
Birth Place: Jaghori, Ghazni Province, Afghanistan
Residence: Kabul, Afghanistan
Profession: Human rights activist, physician, former Minister of Women’s Affairs
Nationality: Afghan
Religion: Islam
Partner: Abdul Jalil Samar (deceased)
Father: Ghulam Ali
Mother: Malalai
Horoscope: Aquarius
Age: 67 (as of 2024)
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black