Hanifa Girowal

Hanifa Girowal (Bluesky – LinkedIn) is the founder and CEO of Equitas Impact, a consultancy working at the intersection of human rights, governance, and ethical AI policy. Hanifa has also been one of the 2023 research fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, where her work focused on how social, cultural, and religious norms perpetuate gender persecution in Afghanistan and the need for international accountability. Her publication, “The Vicious Cycle of Women’s Rights Violations in Afghanistan and the Need for Accountability,” explores the structural drivers of gender-based repression under Taliban rule.

Girowal previously held several senior positions in the former Afghan government, including Deputy Governor of Kabul for Socioeconomic and Development Affairs. She also served in multiple roles at the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, focusing on women’s rights, transitional justice, and the protection of civilians during armed conflict. She holds a master’s degree in public international law from Brunel University London.