Faiza Darkhani

Faiza Darkhani, born in 1992, is a prominent Afghan environmentalist and women's rights advocate, recognized for her impactful contributions to climate change scholarship in Afghanistan. In 2021, she earned a place on the BBC's 100 Women list, celebrating the most inspiring and influential women globally. Her dedication to environmental issues is complemented by her role as an educator and researcher.

Darkhani's academic journey began at Badakhshan University, followed by advanced studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia, where she obtained a master of science degree in landscape architecture. Her research emphasizes sustainable management of urban landscapes and explores the critical link between urban agriculture and food security.

From 2022 to 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Foundation scholarship, allowing her to work at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) e.V. in Germany. During this time, she conducted significant research on the role of women in alternative food networks, which was later cited in the fourth German Gender Equality Report published in 2025.

In 2024, Darkhani relocated to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue her doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, under the guidance of advisor Sarah E. Gergel. Her journey reflects a commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and advocating for women's rights in the context of climate change.