Hope That Sings

Imagine a law prohibiting girls over the age of 12 from singing. For many of us, it’s hard to fathom such a restriction, but for 17-year-old Nila Ibrahimi, this was her reality in Afghanistan. Yet her story is not one of silence -- it’s one of extraordinary courage, hope, and faith in the power of a single voice.

This week, Ibrahimi received the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize, an award that has recognized other global changemakers like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. Ibrahimi was honored for her brave efforts to advocate for the rights of Afghan girls, even as oppressive rules sought to silence her.

Ibrahimi's journey to this award began at just 15 years old, before the Taliban’s takeover in 2021. When a ban was placed on schoolgirls singing in public, Ibrahimi refused to accept it. Instead, she recorded herself singing -- a courageous act in itself -- and, with the help of her brother, posted the video online.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. The video sparked a campaign called #IAmMySong, which quickly gained traction. Within weeks, the ban was overturned, showing Ibrahimi and the world what faith and action can accomplish.

“That was the first time I thought, wow. If I speak up for what I believe in, change is possible,” Ibrahimi said.

But just months later, Ibrahimi's world changed dramatically. The Taliban returned to power, stripping women and girls of their rights to education, work, and public presence. Teenage girls were no longer allowed to attend school, and public speaking was out of the question. For Ibrahimi, staying silent was not an option, but staying in Afghanistan was no longer safe.

With the help of the 30 Birds Foundation, Ibrahimi and her family fled to Canada, where she continues her fight for Afghan girls. She co-founded a platform called Her Story, encouraging Afghan girls to share their experiences, even under the most oppressive circumstances.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

    for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly;

    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

-- Proverbs 31:8-9

Let Ibrahimi's courage inspire you to use your voice, your gifts, and your faith to bring hope to those who need it most. Like her song, your actions may ripple out further than you ever imagined.