Meeting Meryl Streep at the UN's Global Compact
Dr. Nielsen alongside actress Meryl Streep at the UN Headquarters.
Meeting Meryl Streep at the UN Headquarters was a profoundly moving experience. Her passionate speech about the dire situation faced by Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule struck a chord with many, including myself. When someone as globally recognized as Meryl uses her voice to shed light on such an important issue, it reaffirms the gravity of the situation. Her remark that “today in Kabul, a female cat has more freedoms than a woman” encapsulated the harsh reality Afghan women face, deprived of public spaces, education, and fundamental freedoms since 2021. It’s a powerful call for the world to act, and it resonated deeply with my own mission at the Human Migration Institute (HMI).
For me, this moment was not just about meeting a celebrity, but about the shared commitment to uplift the women of Afghanistan. At HMI, we have long been dedicated to helping Afghan women reclaim their right to education and autonomy. Our work has taken women from the brink of danger and helped them rise to prestigious academic opportunities, including PhD programs. One such story that stands out is Amena Sadat, whose courageous journey from escaping Afghanistan to pursuing her education at UC Riverside is emblematic of the resilience of Afghan women and the transformative power of education.
Dr. Nielsen speaking with Dr. Habiba Sarabi, former Afghan Minister for Women’s Affairs, and former Governor of Bamyan Province.
This commitment to Afghan women’s education was also a key topic in my recent conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi, the former Afghan Minister for Women’s Affairs and former Governor of Bamyan Province. Dr. Sarabi, with her deep experience and insight, expressed a shared vision to help Afghan women continue their education despite the immense challenges posed by the current regime. Her leadership and advocacy in education and women’s rights in Afghanistan have been critical, and I am honored to work alongside her in finding new avenues to support Afghan women during these challenging times.
What Meryl Streep’s speech and my conversation with Dr. Sarabi reaffirmed for me is that there is a growing global movement to ensure that Afghan women and girls are not forgotten. Together, through collaboration and relentless effort, we can create real opportunities for these women to regain their agency and build the futures they deserve.
At HMI, our work continues with renewed determination, knowing that influential voices like Meryl Streep and dedicated leaders like Dr. Habiba Sarabi stand with us in advocating for the education and empowerment of Afghan women.
Written By: Dr. Selin Nielsen
For Additional Information on the UN’s Global Compact Meeting, see below: