Overview

From her childhood in Puli Khumri, Afghanistan, to her courageous advocacy on the global stage today, Judge Marzia Babakarkhail weaves together deeply personal stories that resonate with international audiences. Marzia: A Judge's Fight for Afghan Women's Rights takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the stark realities of life under Taliban rule following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021—navigating checkpoints, relying on secret networks, and making high-stakes decisions in moments where every second mattered. Through vivid storytelling, Marzia brings to life the fear that gripped so many, as well as the resilience that carried her and countless others forward. As a former judge and advocate, Marzia's commitment to justice never wavered, even in the face of threats, exile, and unimaginable pressure. Her story is not merely one of survival, but also of determination and strength. It reflects the broader struggle faced by women throughout Afghanistan, particularly those in the legal system who risked everything to uphold the rule of law and protect others' rights. Through Marzia's journey, this book stands as a tribute to the International Association of Women Judges, honoring countries, governments, organizations, and individuals who refused to stay silent. It is a call to remember, to act, and to stand in solidarity with Afghanistan—especially with its women of justice, whose bravery and unwavering spirit continue to inspire the world. This is not just Marzia's story—it is the story of a movement, of resistance, and of hope in the darkest of times.

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9781640126770

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Reviews

""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of tenacity, integrity, and hope. . . . She is a true hero of Afghanistan. Reading her story will make you think, What would I have done in the same circumstances? It will challenge your values and whether you'd be prepared to give up everything to live those values.""—Debbie Abrahams, member of the UK Parliament ""Marzia is more than a story of survival. It is a story of a woman whose bravery, kindness, and unshakable belief in justice changed countless lives.""—Deeyah Kahn, Emmy and Peabody Award–winning documentary filmmaker ""Judge Marzia Babakarkhail is a hero to so many women, including me. No one should miss a chance to learn more about her story. Marzia conveys the triumph and tragedy a whole nation of Afghan women and girls has experienced in recent decades, all through the lens of her extraordinary life.""—Heather Barr, associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch ""Liaising with governments all over the world, being available 24/7 in different time zones and under great pressure, Marzia Babakarkhail is an ardent advocate working tirelessly on behalf of her colleagues, fueled by the fire in her bones to see justice done.""—Marijke Hoek, theologian ""This powerful memoir chronicles the extraordinary journey of Marzia Babakarkhail, a pioneering Afghan family court judge who stood defiantly at the crossroads of law, activism, and resistance. . . . More than a memoir, this is a call for justice and a testament to the indomitable strength of Afghan women who refuse to be erased.""—Rina Amiri, former U.S. special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights; cofounder and principle for the Alliance of Diplomacy and Justice ""This compelling story sheds light on Marzia Babakarkhail's fight for justice, her enduring connection to her roots, and her remarkable ability to turn adversity into triumph. A tale of grit and perseverance, her life is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. A thoroughly gripping read!""—Nerissa Roberts, head of faculty for English for Speakers of Other Languages at Oldham College ""This is a story not just of one brave judge's plight but that of millions of Afghan women whose rights and voices continue to be eroded by the Taliban. Marzia is about the tireless activism, fight for justice, and Afghan spirit that persist even in the darkest of times, and which continue to hold the international community and those in power to account.""—Ruth Green, journalist who has worked for the International Bar Association's Global Insight and freelanced for The Guardian ""Whilst it will take more than a generation to undo the harm and depravity perpetrated on all Afghans by the Taliban, Marzia Babakarkhail offers hope. She reminds us we can play a part.""—Karen Badcock, neuropsychologist ""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of formidable strength and courage in the face of incredible adversity and the worst sort of misogyny. It will inspire those who campaign for women's rights across the world and all those who 'campaign to be a voice for the voiceless,' particularly refugees and asylum seekers.""—Joanna Cherry, lawyer and former member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West and former chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights ""Beautifully written, this memoir paints a vivid picture of the women in Afghanistan during the past fifty years, through the remarkable life of one woman who refused to give in or give up. . . . It is also a testimony to the power of friendship and the love of family even in the most difficult of circumstances, and the strength and determination of a woman who, despite assassination attempts, refuses to give up her dream of women's equality.""—Nikki van der Gaag, independent gender consultant and senior fellow at Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice

""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of tenacity, integrity, and hope. . . . She is a true hero of Afghanistan. Reading her story will make you think, What would I have done in the same circumstances? It will challenge your values and whether you'd be prepared to give up everything to live those values."" - Debbie Abrahams, member of the UK Parliament ""Marzia is more than a story of survival. It is a story of a woman whose bravery, kindness, and unshakable belief in justice changed countless lives."" - Deeyah Kahn, Emmy and Peabody Award–winning documentary filmmaker ""Judge Marzia Babakarkhail is a hero to so many women, including me. No one should miss a chance to learn more about her story. Marzia conveys the triumph and tragedy a whole nation of Afghan women and girls has experienced in recent decades, all through the lens of her extraordinary life."" - Heather Barr, associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch ""Liaising with governments all over the world, being available 24/7 in different time zones and under great pressure, Marzia Babakarkhail is an ardent advocate working tirelessly on behalf of her colleagues, fueled by the fire in her bones to see justice done."" - Marijke Hoek, theologian ""This powerful memoir chronicles the extraordinary journey of Marzia Babakarkhail, a pioneering Afghan family court judge who stood defiantly at the crossroads of law, activism, and resistance. . . . More than a memoir, this is a call for justice and a testament to the indomitable strength of Afghan women who refuse to be erased."" - Rina Amiri, former U.S. special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights; cofounder and principle for the Alliance of Diplomacy and Justice ""This compelling story sheds light on Marzia Babakarkhail's fight for justice, her enduring connection to her roots, and her remarkable ability to turn adversity into triumph. A tale of grit and perseverance, her life is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. A thoroughly gripping read!"" - Nerissa Roberts, head of faculty for English for Speakers of Other Languages at Oldham College ""This is a story not just of one brave judge's plight but that of millions of Afghan women whose rights and voices continue to be eroded by the Taliban. Marzia is about the tireless activism, fight for justice, and Afghan spirit that persist even in the darkest of times, and which continue to hold the international community and those in power to account."" - Ruth Green, journalist who has worked for the International Bar Association's Global Insight and freelanced for The Guardian ""Whilst it will take more than a generation to undo the harm and depravity perpetrated on all Afghans by the Taliban, Marzia Babakarkhail offers hope. She reminds us we can play a part."" -Karen Badcock, neuropsychologist ""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of formidable strength and courage in the face of incredible adversity and the worst sort of misogyny. It will inspire those who campaign for women's rights across the world and all those who 'campaign to be a voice for the voiceless,' particularly refugees and asylum seekers."" - Joanna Cherry, lawyer and former member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West and former chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights ""Beautifully written, this memoir paints a vivid picture of the women in Afghanistan during the past fifty years, through the remarkable life of one woman who refused to give in or give up. . . . It is also a testimony to the power of friendship and the love of family even in the most difficult of circumstances, and the strength and determination of a woman who, despite assassination attempts, refuses to give up her dream of women's equality."" - Nikki van der Gaag, independent gender consultant and senior fellow at Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice

""Marzia is more than a story of survival. It is a story of a woman whose bravery, kindness, and unshakable belief in justice changed countless lives.""--Deeyah Kahn, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker ""Beautifully written, this memoir paints a vivid picture of the women in Afghanistan during the past fifty years, through the remarkable life of one woman who refused to give in or give up. . . . It is also a testimony to the power of friendship and the love of family even in the most difficult of circumstances, and the strength and determination of a woman who, despite assassination attempts, refuses to give up her dream of women's equality.""--Nikki van der Gaag, independent gender consultant and senior fellow at Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice ""Judge Marzia Babakarkhail is a hero to so many women, including me. No one should miss a chance to learn more about her story. Marzia conveys the triumph and tragedy a whole nation of Afghan women and girls has experienced in recent decades, all through the lens of her extraordinary life.""--Heather Barr, associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch ""Liaising with governments all over the world, being available 24/7 in different time zones and under great pressure, Marzia Babakarkhail is an ardent advocate working tirelessly on behalf of her colleagues, fueled by the fire in her bones to see justice done.""--Marijke Hoek, theologian ""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of formidable strength and courage in the face of incredible adversity and the worst sort of misogyny. It will inspire those who campaign for women's rights across the world and all those who 'campaign to be a voice for the voiceless, ' particularly refugees and asylum seekers.""--Joanna Cherry, lawyer and former member of Parliament for Edinburgh South West and former chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights ""Marzia Babakarkhail's life story is one of tenacity, integrity, and hope. . . . She is a true hero of Afghanistan. Reading her story will make you think, What would I have done in the same circumstances? It will challenge your values and whether you'd be prepared to give up everything to live those values.""--Debbie Abrahams, member of the UK Parliament ""This compelling story sheds light on Marzia Babakarkhail's fight for justice, her enduring connection to her roots, and her remarkable ability to turn adversity into triumph. A tale of grit and perseverance, her life is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. A thoroughly gripping read!""--Nerissa Roberts, head of faculty for English for Speakers of Other Languages at Oldham College ""This is a story not just of one brave judge's plight but that of millions of Afghan women whose rights and voices continue to be eroded by the Taliban. Marzia is about the tireless activism, fight for justice, and Afghan spirit that persist even in the darkest of times, and which continue to hold the international community and those in power to account.""--Ruth Green, journalist who has worked for the International Bar Association's Global Insight and freelanced for The Guardian ""This powerful memoir chronicles the extraordinary journey of Marzia Babakarkhail, a pioneering Afghan family court judge who stood defiantly at the crossroads of law, activism, and resistance. . . . More than a memoir, this is a call for justice and a testament to the indomitable strength of Afghan women who refuse to be erased.""--Rina Amiri, former U.S. special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights; cofounder and principle for the Alliance of Diplomacy and Justice ""Whilst it will take more than a generation to undo the harm and depravity perpetrated on all Afghans by the Taliban, Marzia Babakarkhail offers hope. She reminds us we can play a part.""--Karen Badcock, neuropsychologist

Author Information

Marzia Babakarkhail was a judge in Afghanistan for seven years before becoming a member of the board and chair of the Women's Committee of the Afghan NGO's Coordination Bureau. Now living in the UK, she is a caseworker for a member of Parliament and is a lifelong women's rights activist and advocate. Babakarkhail appears on the BBC and other news outlets as a spokesperson for Afghan women. Pamela Say is a nonprofit consultant and serves as a book coach, writer, and editor for emerging authors through her consulting firm. She is the author of five books and spent more than six months interviewing and collaborating with Marzia Babakarkhail to tell her story.

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