Journalist, Activist, and Thought Leader
I believe every woman has the power to break free from societal constraints and create her own path to success.”— Maryam Akbari
I’m Maryam Akbari—a journalist, author, activist, and women’s empowerment advocate deeply committed to transforming stories of struggle into powerful narratives of resilience and hope.
My journey—from growing up in Afghanistan under oppression to becoming a journalist, activist, and thought leader—has shaped my mission: to empower women to reclaim their voices, transform their narratives, and step into leadership.
For over a decade, I have worked at the intersection of women’s rights, leadership, and mindset transformation, advocating for justice, gender equality, and self-empowerment. My work has been featured in international media, from investigative journalism to public speaking, and I have had the honor of coaching and mentoring hundreds of women to break through limitations and build lives of impact and financial freedom.
My career began in Afghanistan, where I worked as a journalist and blogger from 2008 to 2012, writing investigative reports and articles on women’s rights, equality, leadership, and the systemic challenges women face daily. I was among the few who dared to uncover the harsh realities of honor culture, radicalism, and gender-based violence—risking my own safety to amplify the voices of those silenced.
My leadership journey expanded when I became a certified graduate of the International Leadership School (IAM) in 2013. That same year, I became a leadership facilitator for university students in Kabul, mentoring young minds on progressive thinking and leadership. Shortly after, I represented Afghanistan at the Ewha Global Empowerment Program (EGEP), presenting a case study on the realities of Afghan women’s lives.
In 2011, I was selected for the Isis International Activist School in Bangkok, Thailand, where I honed my skills in citizen journalism, using video storytelling to document the struggles and triumphs of women in oppressive societies. This experience deepened my belief in the power of independent voices in shaping public discourse. Through the lens of citizen journalism, I embraced storytelling that revealed hidden truths and narratives, particularly those experienced by women, often overlooked by mainstream media.
My activism and journalism soon led me to Sweden, where the Swedish Institute (SI) recognized my voice, inviting me to join the Young Leaders and Activists program in 2013-2014. In this new environment, I found powerful ways to continue advocating for women’s rights and addressing crucial social issues.
My investigative journalism work continued, and in 2014, I published a groundbreaking report in Afghanistan’s national media, exposing the radicalization of university students by extremist groups. This report sparked national conversations and was widely featured in various media outlets.
My advocacy took center stage again with the Swedish organization GAPF (Glöm Aldrig Pela och Fadime), addressing the damaging effects of honor-shame culture, particularly its oppressive impact on women in countries like Afghanistan.
I have been featured in multiple media outlets and podcasts, sharing insights on women’s rights, leadership, and personal transformation. My work has been recognized by The Swedish Afghanistan Committee, where I was interviewed on the plight of Afghan women and the importance of global advocacy.
I’ve hosted coaching programs, workshops, summits, and events that help women build confidence, financial independence, and leadership skills.
Recognizing the need for deeper transformation, I founded my coaching business in 2021 to empower women to break through limiting beliefs, reclaim their power, and build impactful businesses. Since then, I have worked with over 200 women through coaching programs, workshops, and leadership summits. My work is rooted in mindset mastery, leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, helping women create both income and impact.
I’ve hosted coaching programs, workshops, summits, and events that help women build confidence, financial independence, and leadership skills.
As an author, my writing delves into themes of identity, trauma, resilience, and freedom from oppression. My memoir, set to launch soon, is a deeply personal yet universal story of overcoming adversity, reclaiming one’s voice, and redefining what it means to belong. I write not just to share my journey, but to inspire others to rise beyond their circumstances.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Explore my coaching programs for personal and business transformation.
Contact me for interviews, collaborations, and keynote speaking opportunities.
Subscribe to my newsletter for insights on mindset, leadership, and women’s empowerment.
I help ambitious women reclaim their identity, master storytelling, and build influence to create impact and income.
I help ambitious women reclaim their identity, master storytelling, and build influence to create impact and income.
