Meet Aryana Mohmood, the PhD student investigating Afghan women’s representations and resistance.
Aryana Mohmood, a PhD student at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), is deeply committed to human rights and gender equality in Afghanistan. As an Australian-Afghan woman, she has a deep and personal connection with the country, its culture, and people.
“My background and personal values have steered my direction in life and interest in community stories, gender equality and human rights,” she said.
Before joining the College, Aryana spent seven years in the journalism industry and worked with the Queensland Afghan community to address issues in women’s and youth participation. She also launched a podcast focused on mental health in refugee and migrant communities.
Now, she is dedicated to investigating the stories and experiences of women of Afghanistan in the post-2021 resistance movement.
“The story of Afghan women is not one of victimhood but resistance,” she explained.
Driven by her mission, Aryana moved from Brisbane last year to begin her PhD on Afghan women's resistance movements.
“Doing this work has been intellectually and emotionally challenging. But I have a responsibility to do this work, to give justice to the experiences and stories of women of Afghanistan,” she expressed.
Finding the right supervisor
Aryana’s decision to study at CAP was solidified after meeting her supervisor Professor Bina D’Costa, a United Nations worker and renowned expert in gender, human rights, and justice.
“From our first conversation, I knew she was the one to guide me and be my support person through this journey,” she said.
CAP is home to a diverse group of esteemed researchers dedicated to mentoring students like Aryana. Inspired by her supervisor, Aryana aims to create meaningful change in the fields of human rights and gender advocacy.
“I needed a supervisor with deep expertise in my research area. I knew Bina could help me navigate this path,” she shared.
Elevating the voices of Afghan women
In August 2021, the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan enforcing extreme restrictions on women and girls to control their freedom of expression, education, and independence.
Despite the fear that gripped the country, Aryana continues to be inspired by the resilience of Afghan women.
“Women stood up and protested in the face of absolute terror. Their resistance continues despite so many forces trying to stop them.
“Afghan women have not only been resisting for decades, but their resistance also challenges the country’s social and political structures. Their resistance is powerful, courageous, and transformational. But the significance and transformational potential hasn’t been widely recognised in international relations literature,” she explained.
Her research focuses on how visual forms of communication and emotions can sustain, mobilise and shape Afghan women’s movements. Aryana highlights grassroots initiatives, where Afghan women use art, poetry, and social media to raise awareness and build support.
“This work is about capturing an incredibly important moment in Afghanistan’s and the world’s history. It is about documenting the work by women in Afghanistan and diaspora communities,” Aryana said.
A vibrant research school
Aryana says she is grateful for the opportunity to study a PhD on a topic she is deeply passionate about, and to be supported by friends and colleagues.
She credits CAP’s vibrant academic community for enriching her research journey.
“There are so many diverse scholars at CAP researching different areas of global politics and areas in South and Central Asia. These scholars come from all walks of life which allows me to gain broader insight and consider different ways of thinking.
“Engaging with diverse ideas and receiving valuable feedback for my work has been incredibly helpful,” she added.
The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific is proud to support research that champions gender equality and advocacy. Through talented students and researchers like Aryana, the College strives to contribute to a future with better outcomes for women across the region.
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