Metra Mehran is the gender and policy advisor for the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council. She is a gender equity and human rights activist and practitioner with a decade of experience in international development, peace, and gender equality. Hailing from Afghanistan, she has earned recognition as a finalist for the 2021 European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, marking her as a prominent figure in the global pursuit of human rights.

Throughout her career, Mehran has played a pivotal role in providing strategic counsel, leading impactful programs, and conducting influential research for organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the UK Department for International Development, New York University, and the US Agency for International Development. Her dedication to advancing the cause of gender equity and human rights is not only reflected in her professional achievements but also in her advocacy at the United Nations and the European Parliament. Additionally, her impact resonates through insightful articles, comments, and speaking engagements in international outlets such as CNN, the New Yorker, the New York Times, Al Jazeera, and BBC.

Mehran also cofounded the Feminine Perspectives Movement, offering a powerful platform for women across Afghanistan to advocate for their fundamental rights during intra-Afghan peace negotiations. As a fellow with the National Center for Dialogue and Peace, she focused on fostering intergenerational exchange and uniting diverse perspectives for sustainable peace.

Due to the challenges posed by the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Mehran now resides in exile, advocating for the recognition of Gender Apartheid. Her efforts include mobilizing international action and contributing to legal advocacy initiatives, monitoring the Taliban’s decrees that curtail women’s rights. In her recent article, Mehran explored how these decrees amount to “Inhuman Acts,” outlining principles, shedding light on the systematic dehumanization and marginalization of women.