Robina Aryubwal
As a result of her humanitarian efforts, Aryubwal has been named a joint recipient - along with Journalists for Human Rights - of the 2024 Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize from PEN Canada, a non-profit organization that defends and promotes the right to freedom of expression worldwide. The award recognizes a Canadian individual or organization that has provided significant help to a writer or journalist outside Canada who has faced threats, violence, harassment, or imprisonment for reporting or commenting on issues of public interest.
Together, Aryubwal and Journalists for Human Rights have helped more than 500 people in the embattled country find safety and a fresh start.
"The greatest joy in the world comes from helping others," Aryubwal said. "There's something profoundly fulfilling about being there for someone in need, whether it's through offering support, sharing knowledge or simply listening to them."
Aryubwal remembers a life-defining moment when she was 10 years old. While everyone was out celebrating New Year's Eve, she chose instead to stay in to assist a woman who worked for her mother who had become very sick.
"I stayed by her side," she explained. "I may not have been able to do much to help, but the comfort I gave her meant the world to her. That night, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others."
Growing up in Afghanistan, Aryubwal saw how difficult life could be, particularly for girls, who were not allowed to go to school. Her family refused to accept that and started an underground school for women, teaching them in secret.
"That experience taught me the power of education and the importance of standing up for what's right," she said, "even when it's dangerous."
Aryubwal spent eight incredibly difficult years as a refugee in Pakistan before her family made it to Canada, where she resumed her education and was eventually, in 2021, introduced to Rachel Pulfer - then executive director of Journalists for Human Rights. The Taliban had just regained control of Afghanistan, and journalists, teachers and human rights defenders were once again in grave danger.
"I signed my first contract for a week, which soon became a month, and then I worked with Journalists for Human Rights for almost three years," Aryubwal said.
When the Taliban regained control of Kabul, the organization immediately launched an emergency evacuation effort. In the first week, Pulfer mobilized key donors and coalition members and raised $600,000 for the emergency evacuation fund, which eventually grew to $2 million.
"Every life we helped save felt like a small victory in a world full of fear," said Aryubwal. "This award is a reminder of those victories. It's not just for me - it's for every person who has shown bravery in the face of danger, every family forced to flee and every girl who still dreams of a better future despite the challenges she faces."
Aryubwal is currently completing a master's degree in public and international affairs at York U, a program she chose due to its interdisciplinary, bilingual approach and commitment to blending theory with hands-on experience to address complex global challenges.
"My future goal is to drive impactful policy changes that promote equity, justice and sustainable development through a career in an international organization or governmental agency," said Aryubwal, "leveraging my passion for humanitarian work to create a better world."
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
