News Center_ The Chatham House research center (formally registered as the Royal Institute of International Affairs) has awarded its 2026 prize to Afghan women in recognition of their courage and resilience in the face of Taliban restrictions and repression, affirming that Afghan women have continued to define their rights and freedoms despite widespread restrictions through protest, and efforts to preserve their right to education.

The institution stated that Afghan women’s resistance has drawn international attention to the situation of women and girls, and the consequences of their exclusion from public life.

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of the institution, considered the courage of Afghan women as evidence of the will of a broad movement defending women’s right, emphasizing that the world must not remain indifferent to this situation.

Farzana Sheikh, a participant in the Asia and Pacific Program at Chatham House, affirmed that the prize is a well-deserved resogintion of Afghan women, embodying their resilience and determination to keep their cause present in public consiciousness.

Chatham House is a prominent London-based research center specializing in policy analysis and geopolitical and international affairs. It awards its prize annually as one of the most prominent international awards presented by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, honoring the person or entity that achieves a distinguished contribution to strengthening international relations during the year.